[SMM Sheets & Plates Daily Review] HRC Futures Closed Slightly Higher, Cost Support Drove Market to Fluctuate at Highs

Published: May 11, 2026 17:26

HRC futures closed at 3,497 today, up 0.34% for the day. Spot market, HRC rose by 10 yuan/mt, and CR increased by 10-20 yuan/mt, with overall transactions being mediocre. In terms of supply, the impact from maintenance on HRC increased this week, and supply was expected to decline slightly. Demand side, the rise in the futures market drove spot market prices up, but with the off-season approaching and prices currently at relatively high levels, the market largely adopted a wait-and-see attitude. Cost side, the third round of coke increase was implemented, providing strong cost support for sheets & plates. Looking ahead, with the off-season approaching, demand is expected to weaken, but considering cost support and relatively small fundamental pressure on CR and HRC, prices are expected to stay high with fluctuations in the short term.

 

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
[SMM Steel] Vnsteel expands distribution network with new Khanh Hoa warehouse
1 hour ago
[SMM Steel] Vnsteel expands distribution network with new Khanh Hoa warehouse
Read More
[SMM Steel] Vnsteel expands distribution network with new Khanh Hoa warehouse
[SMM Steel] Vnsteel expands distribution network with new Khanh Hoa warehouse
[SMM Steel] Vietnam’s Vnsteel has inaugurated a new warehouse in Khanh Hoa province as part of its strategy to strengthen nationwide logistics and distribution capabilities. The facility marks the company’s return to the South-Central Vietnam market and is expected to improve supply services for local distributors and construction projects. Vnsteel said the warehouse will also function as a regional logistics hub to enhance customer support, shorten delivery times, and strengthen its competitiveness in Vietnam’s steel market.
1 hour ago
[SMM Steel] Hoa Sen responds to Australia AD allegations on galvanized steel
1 hour ago
[SMM Steel] Hoa Sen responds to Australia AD allegations on galvanized steel
Read More
[SMM Steel] Hoa Sen responds to Australia AD allegations on galvanized steel
[SMM Steel] Hoa Sen responds to Australia AD allegations on galvanized steel
[SMM Steel] Vietnam’s Hoa Sen Group stated that the alleged 56.21% dumping margin in Australia’s galvanized steel investigation is only an initial claim submitted by petitioner BlueScope Steel and not an official finding by Australian authorities. The AD probe was officially launched on April 30, with Hoa Sen and Nam Kim named in the case. Australia is expected to release its statement of essential facts by August 18 and final findings by October 2, 2026. Hoa Sen noted that in a previous Australian AD case in 2015, the company ultimately received a 0% duty rate despite an initial dumping allegation of 16.26%.
1 hour ago
[SMM Steel] Iranian steel exports continue despite Hormuz logistics disruptions
1 hour ago
[SMM Steel] Iranian steel exports continue despite Hormuz logistics disruptions
Read More
[SMM Steel] Iranian steel exports continue despite Hormuz logistics disruptions
[SMM Steel] Iranian steel exports continue despite Hormuz logistics disruptions
[SMM Steel] Iranian steel exports remain active despite ongoing uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz. Billet exporters continue offering cargoes, but transactions remain unstable due to shipping disruptions, limited vessel availability, and high insurance costs. Alternative logistics channels and Chabahar port continue supporting part of the export flows to China and India. Market participants expect steel trade linked to Hormuz to remain volatile even if diplomatic tensions ease.
1 hour ago
Register to Continue Reading
Gain access to the latest insights in metals and new energy
Already have an account?sign in here