China: exporters intend to raise prices again in January citing short supply

摘要

As expected, Chinese mills have unanimously announced their new prices for HDG at the levels set by major producers in early January. As a result, export prices have added $30-40/t from the second half of December. Apart from firmer demand expected in Europe and the Middle East in the second half of January and strong activity of the US buyers, an increase in CR and HR feedstock costs has encouraged the rise. Besides, growth of quotations for coated flats in both primary and secondary markets is playing into exporters’ hands.