FLAT PRODUCTS

摘要

The US alloy surcharge for grade 304 went up dollarUS129 (10.9 percent) from November. Domestic mill negotiated basis values are fairly stable. Asian suppliers want to increase prices by up to 10 percent on strip. Activity levels are quietening down ahead of the holidays and stocks are probably higher now than they have been all year. Japan's strip supply is still in shortfall and unlikely to ease throughout next year. Quarto plate is also scarce. Exports of coil from South Korea continue to soar as Posco seeks to satisfy the demand of subsidiaries in China. As a result, the domestic market has been in deficit. The problem is expected to become more severe in the first half of 2005. Sales of plate are recovering from the Summer slump. The distribution sector is particularly active.