FLAT PRODUCTS

摘要

Only limited business is carried out in the industrialised countries during August. Accordingly, we do not undertake price investigations. We take the opportunity to review the trends over the past twelve months in this issue. Basis prices in the US have been relatively stable during the last year. Raw material costs have, therefore, been the major factor in changing transaction values. Demand for quarto plate has generally held up better than that for hot rolled coil. Import offers from Europe have been limited by the currency exchange rate. Chinese producers, however, have looked more to the North American market to offset the effect of the anti-dumping measures they may face in Europe. Selling figures in recent months were mostly affected by the steadily falling cost of nickel. The transaction price for grade 304 hot rolled coil in July 2008 was 25 percent lower than one year earlier.