International Flat Product Market Analysis

摘要

While domestic HRC base prices increased this week both in Northern and Southern Europe, those increases were lower than we had expected. However, given the recent step up in demand in that region, we believe a further increase, most likely another ?30-?40/tonne, is possible in the second quarter. Meanwhile, it is a bit of a mixed bag in the United States with HRC and HDG prices declining and CRC prices rising. Chinese HRC prices fall as consumer confidence steps back and traders look to destock prior to next week's New Year holiday.