China: coke prices up amid stable demand and rising coking coal prices

摘要

Coke prices have grown in the Chinese market in early May amid increasedproduction costs due to high coking coal prices. In the middle of last month, thematerial of local suppliers was available (hereinafter excluding VAT) atRMB 1,850-1,900/t exw ($271-278/t), and even at up to RMB 1,950/t exw ($286/t),but the prices have gained another RMB 50-100/t ($7-15/t) in the beginning ofMay. The prices have been also pushed up by stable demand from Chinesesteelmakers. Market participants estimate the RMB 50-60/t increase will beacceptable to steelmakers. However, whether they will be able to accept theRMB 100/t hike or not will depend on finished product market.