"HRC Prices Rise, Cost Support Strengthens; Sheets & Plates to Consolidate Amid Off-Season"
The most-traded HRC contract started stable then rose, closing at 3,244, up 0.22% DoD. In terms of supply, the impact from maintenance on HRC this week was 216,000 mt, down 39,900 mt WoW; next week’s impact is expected to be 116,100 mt, down 99,800 mt WoW, though production remained relatively low. On the demand side, end-users mainly concluded deals at low prices, the spot-futures price spread narrowed slightly, and some positions were added in the futures and physical markets. Raw material side, yesterday two authorities released the 15th Five-Year Plan for the coal industry, and coupled with the strong reality of a shortage in spot coking coal, bulls in the most-traded contracts aggressively bid up prices, lifting the cost support from coking coal and coke somewhat. Looking ahead, as sheets & plates themselves are still in the off-season, this will cap their rebound. However, considering that cost support from below is solid in the short term, sheets & plates are expected to consolidate on a strong note.