[SMM Sheets & Plates Daily Review] HRC Inventory Decline Slowed Down, Short-Term Prices Continue to Move Sideways

Published: May 28, 2026 17:47

Save

The most-traded HRC contract closed at 3,365, up 0.12%; spot market side, HRC prices in most cities were stable with slight increases, while cold galvanized prices remained stable.

In the short term, bearish expectations on raw material supply and downstream demand have been partially digested. Combined with the stimulus from coke price hike news, ferrous metals are expected to move sideways in the short term, making it difficult to break through the upper or lower bounds of the range. HRC fundamentals side, inventory is unlikely to see a trend of inventory buildup before mid-June, and the most-traded HRC contract is expected to continue moving sideways within the range of 3,330-3,450.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

Common.Time.minsAgo

【SMM Steel】Hoa Sen Phu My Steel Sheet Plant fire has no impact on business operations

【SMM Steel】A fire broke out in the acid regeneration line tower at Hoa Sen Phu My Steel Sheet Plant at 10:00 PM on May 25, 2026. The blaze was extinguished by 10:45 PM through joint intervention by the company's team and police. No injuries occurred and product inventory remained safe. Damage to the auxiliary line was minor and fully insured. The line is isolated from core production sectors, so other lines continued operating without disruption. Hoa Sen Group confirmed no impact on business operations. Authorities are investigating the cause.

Common.Time.minsAgo

【SMM Steel】JISCO Hongxing Hongyu New Materials successfully rolls 2.5mm thin-gauge titanium coils

【SMM Steel】JISCO Hongxing Hongyu New Materials has successfully achieved stable rolling of 2.5mm thin-gauge titanium coils on its combined CSP & conventional hot strip mill, while also completing “steel-titanium mixed rolling” verification. By optimizing heating schedules, rolling rhythm, tension control, and strip shape parameters, the team efficiently produced multiple titanium coil specs. The breakthrough fills a gap in JISCO’s thin titanium product capability and strengthens its competitiveness in new energy, chemical equipment, and marine engineering.

Common.Time.minsAgo

【SMM Steel】Ukraine starts AD investigation on China's hot-rolled bars

【SMM Steel】On May 26, 2026, Ukraine's Ministry of Economy initiated an anti-dumping investigation on hot-rolled bars in coils from China under Resolution No. AD-602/2026/441-01. Products covered include carbon steel bars 5-14mm and alloy steel bars 5-32mm (excluding high-speed steel and welding wire). The investigation period runs from 2022 to October 2025. Affected Ukrainian customs codes: 7213.91.10.00, 7213.91.41.00, 7213.91.49.00, 7213.91.70.00, 7213.91.90.00, 7227.20.00.00, 7227.90.10.00, 7227.90.50.00, 7227.90.95.00. This is Ukraine's sixth AD probe on Chinese products since April 2024.

Common.Time.minsAgo