Prices to stabilize in January, but to inevitably rise in February

摘要

Seasonal scrap shortage will make for tougher competition, resultingin higher prices for the material in winter. Despite slower scrapcollection in December (by 15?20% down from last month because ofweather conditions), steelmakers will not be raising purchase prices astheir requirements will decrease due to lower output of steel products,as well as completion of scrap restocking for winter. In January, scrapcollection will slump by about 40% month-on-month amid long-lastingholidays and unfavourable weather conditions. However, consumerswill start raising purchase prices in February at the earliest as they runout of the material.