COLD ROLLED COIL

摘要

Negotiated basis values in the US have advanced by approximately 3 percent over the last four weeks. Market activity is strong but customers are just buying what they need and there is very little speculative purchasing. Far East suppliers have raised their prices and reduced the volumes on offer. Although sales in the Japanese auto sector remain strong, general demand is dull. Inventory volumes have decreased but are still overloaded. NSSC announced another price hike of RMB10,000 per tonne for March deliveries in order to recover escalating nickel costs. The proposal has met with resistance, particularly from end-users. South Korean transaction values for grades 304/316 have moved up. Higher nickel prices in the short term and perceived shortages in the second quarter, when Posco reduces output, are the main drivers behind the increase.