Czech HRC steel prices rise further in June

CZECH REPUBLIC July 05 2016 3:43 PM

LONDON (Scrap Register): Czech hot rolled coil prices continued to advance in June. However, demand is reportedly flat as market participants are only buying what they need at the higher price levels, according to MEPS.

A number of local producers announced plant stoppages which could tighten the availability of material over the coming months.

Commodity plate selling figures increased last month. Demand remained steady yet unspectacular. Discounted deals were reportedly on offer for high volume bookings as delivery lead times continued to be short. 

Cold rolled coil transaction values advanced sharply for the second successive month, in June. Imports are reportedly at a low level as Russian material, transported via the Baltic nations, is no longer present.

Hot dipped galvanised coil prices continued to soar. Demand from the automotive sector is strong as car makers announced a new quarterly sales record.

Demand for wire rod was reportedly solid. However, MEPS expects selling values to come under negative pressure, during the coming months, if scrap costs continue to fall.

Czech structural section prices increased significantly in June. Western European producers, selling into the country, have largely been successful in achieving price advances.