[SMM Sheets & Plates Daily Review]

Published: Aug 19, 2026 17:11

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HRC futures closed at 3,286 today, gaining 0.4% for the full day. In the spot market, spot HRC prices edged up 10 yuan/mt while remaining largely stable, cold-rolled prices were flat, and overall trading was moderate today. HRC city inventory data was released today: inventories in Zhangjiagang, Shanghai, Ningbo, and Tangshan built up, while those in Lecong and Shenyang saw slight destocking. Overall, HRC social inventory is expected to build up this week. Cost side, expectations for price hikes in coking coal and coke are heating up, strengthening the support from raw materials for HRC’s bottom. Steel mills have become somewhat more inclined to hold prices firm. However, end-use demand has yet to improve materially, capping upside room. In the short term, HRC lacks a directional driver. The futures market is trading on expectations for the September peak season. The upside is pressured by weak demand, while the downside is cushioned by costs. Prices are most likely to continue moving sideways.

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