Mills’ prices to move down in coming months

摘要

Russian HR sheets producers raised prices by 1.5-2% in August. Thekey reason behind the increase is oncoming supply reduction in themills’ market for the period of repairs at major suppliers.Flat steel imports are expected to decrease in September. In the firstweek of the next month, ArcelorMittal Temirtau will stop its HR mill 1700for repairs, with two billet conticasters being next in line. In June-July,the supplier shipped some 100,000-105,000 t of HR sheets per month toRussia. Shipments from Ukraine may somewhat decrease soon as well,as Ilyich Steel stopped its HR mill 1700 for about 45-day reconstructionin late August.