[SMM Ningbo HRC Inventory] Ningbo Inventory Decline Slowed Down This Week

China Steel billet export prices continued to decline today, falling by about 3-4 USD/tonne, with 3SP 150*150mm FOB quotes at 472-475 USD/tonne. It was learned that as export billet prices continued to fall, wait-and-see sentiment was strong in the market. Meanwhile, some steel billet export mills had maintenance plans and were cautious in taking orders to ensure supply for the Chinese market.

Today, the most-traded hot-rolled coil (HRC) contract first declined then rebounded, closing at 3,428 at the end of the session, down 0.03% intraday. HRC spot prices mostly fell 10-20 yuan/mt today, with some markets remaining stable. In terms of supply, the impact from maintenance on hot-rolled production this week was 137,500 mt, down 98,500 mt WoW. Next week, the impact from maintenance on hot-rolled production will be 185,500 mt, up 48,000 mt WoW, with overall pressure being neutral. Demand side, end-users still mainly purchased at low prices, and futures-spot arbitrage continued to ship at low prices. Cost side, after macro front disturbances diminished, short-term cost support weakened somewhat. Looking ahead, the supply-demand imbalance in HRC fundamentals showed some diverg

Iron ore futures saw intense trading today, with the most-traded contract I2609 closing at 800 yuan/mt, up 0.19% from the previous trading session. Port spot prices were basically flat compared to the previous day. Traders showed moderate quoting activity; steel mills restocked on an as-needed basis with few inquiries; overall spot market transactions were limited.