[SMM Survey] HRC Arrivals Across China's Major Markets Pulled Back This Week

Published: Aug 18, 2026 18:02

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SMM Steel, Aug. 18 — According to SMM statistics, the estimated total resource shipments in mainstream markets for this week were 182,800 mt, with the shipment level down 29.80% WoW. By market:

Table 1: Arrival Comparison of Mainstream Markets

Data Source: SMM Steel

Shanghai Market: This week, hot-rolled coil shipments to the Shanghai market declined as expected. Specifically, northern resources increased slightly, while shipments from steel mills in south China returned to normal levels this week after concentrated shipments in the previous period. Looking ahead, northern resources remain cost-effective for procurement and will maintain their current performance, while resources from south China will be relatively stable in the short term; therefore, the arrival level of mainstream resources in Shanghai may fluctuate within a narrow range in the short term.

Chart-1: Shanghai Market Arrivals

Data Source: SMM Steel

Lecong Market: This week, Lecong-bound shipments decreased. Specifically, due to unsuitable prices, no large volume of resources from North China has arrived at ports for now, while DDH may be constrained by tight transport capacity, with arrivals pulling back again; overall, the arrival level remained at a low level. Looking ahead, given the current low base, south China is expected to have some growth potential in the short term.

Chart-2: Lecong Market Arrivals

Data Source: SMM Steel

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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.

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