Steel Plate Prices in the Global Market Online
North America
In the final quarter of 2022, the
Steel
Plate prices plunged in the US market owing to the limited inquiries
from the downstream segment. In October, major manufacturers were curtailing
production activity to fill the supply-demand gap. The Mississippi River's
water level had dropped so low that barges had become stuck, resulting in
costly dredging and traffic congestion. According to manufacturers, Steel Plate
fell as the market remains concerned about logistics. As shippers cannot load
as much weight on a barge at low water levels, barges became much more
expensive, causing shipping delays. Towards the quarter's end, the inventory
level dropped, and Steel Plate manufacturers started raising prices,
anticipating a higher demand outlook before the Christmas holiday. Buyers had
opted wait-and-watch outlook as the market slowed ahead of the holidays. Thus,
Steel Plate (20 mm) prices for Ex Works Texas (USA) settled at USD 1605/MT.
Asia Pacific
In the Chinese market, the Prices
of Steel Plate showcased a declining trend in the final quarter owing
to the limited downstream demand amidst higher inventory levels. Steel mills
lowered their output in October, and steel transactions increased. Measures for
preventing and controlling epidemics were tightened in some places, and
transportation and logistics were stopped. Production capacity was high, and
significant supply limitations were observed. However, because of the high cost
of raw materials, the steel plant quickly experienced a loss. Market
participants claim that domestic COVID regulations and the complicated
international scenario harm the revival of steel demand. Fewer Chinese steel
mills intend to stock up on steel plates before the Chinese New Year. Thus,
Mild Steel (Q235B-10 mm) Plate prices for Ex Shanghai (China) settled at USD
554/MT
Europe
Towards the closure of Q4, the
Steel Plate prices edged in the downward direction amidst a higher inventory
level and stable demand outlook. Steel plate prices remained low in October as
a result of strong demand and the availability of affordable slabs. Suppliers
claimed that they were utilizing more expensive slabs since any savings from
buying cheaper slabs would be outweighed by increasing energy prices in Europe.
However, trading activity in the area remained minimal, with the majority of
the tonnages exchanged being minor. Instead of investing in more capacity,
buyers would rather sell off their depreciating stock. After reserving the
necessary volumes in December, large purchasers fled the market, which was
already slowing due to the impending Christmas holidays. Thus, the discussions
of Steel Plate (16 mm) prices for Ex Ruhr settled at USD 963/MT.
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