Plate prices in Turkey have remained relatively stable compared to early August, taking into account there is still dome regular demand from the projects’ side as well as from the commercial segment. In addition, some suppliers are not offering currently while having maintenance at their facility. In addition, despite the fluctuation in Chinese HRC offers over the past month, there has been no drastic change in the plate prices of the same origin, which is usually the cheapest. Besides, in early September the import scrap prices in Turkey have rebounded, which, although there is no direct influence on plate segment, still supported the general mood in the steel market.
Turkey’s local steel plate prices have been reported at $670-680/mt ex-works fo base grades from the sole domestic producer, while the level of $650/mt ex-works has also been voiced as an achievable one. The commercial grade of plate in the retail market is generally available at $760-780/mt, while S355JR material is on offer at $830-850/mt, both on the ex-warehouse basis.
Import offers for commercial grade plate from China have been heard at $600/mt CFR ($10/mt down) and at about $640-650/mt CFR for shipbuilding ones, for October-November shipments. South Korea, according to buyers, is at $650/mt CFR for commercial grades, stable over the month. Bulgaria have decreased its offer by $20/mt to $760/mt CFR for November shipments, remaining at one of the highest levels in the market. In the meantime, Romania is not offering plate currently due to the ongoing maintenance, SteelOrbis has learned.