HRC Prices Extend Rally, Market Is Anticipating Economic Stimulus From Chinese Government

[SMM Data: Complete Summary of SMM March 2026 Import and Export Data] SMM March 2026 import and export data showed: copper cathode net imports were lower YoY; primary aluminum imports reached 255,000 mt, up 14.8% YoY; refined lead imports surged significantly; zinc ingot imports were up 220% MoM; tin ore imports were up 122% YoY; silver imports were up 93% MoM; steel exports rebounded MoM; PV module export value was up 122.7% MoM; silicon metal exports were up 43% MoM, and magnesium exports hit a multi-year high. Among new energy materials, exports of LiPF6 and artificial graphite surged significantly.

Recently, China's manganese sulphate market has exhibited an operating pattern characterized by "rigid cost underpinning and diverging demand structures." Battery-grade and industrial-grade manganese sulphate performed slightly differently, but the overall market maintained a steady-to-strong trend. Core raw material prices fluctuating at highs continued to push up production costs. Combined with steady demand release from the new energy sector, this provided strong support for manganese sulphate prices. Meanwhile, factors such as tightening liquidity at month-end and production adjustments in some producing regions caused minor disruptions, but did not alter the core logic of an overall strong market. In the short term, prices are expected to mainly fluctuate upward.

This week, ferrous metals continued their rebound trend, with finished products outperforming raw materials. Early in the week, the rally was primarily driven by raw materials, as uncertainty over the Middle East situation combined with market rumors of restricted Mongolian coal shipments boosted the coal sector, with other ferrous metals following suit. Mid-week, the General Offices of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council issued the "Opinions on Achieving Higher-Level and Higher-Quality Energy Conservation and Carbon Reduction," which covered the steel industry, strengthening market expectations for supply-side reform. In the latter half of the week, data on the five major steel products were released, showing increases in both supply and demand along with inventory drawdowns, with finished products rallying more strongly than raw materials. Spot market side, as futures rose consecutively, end-user purchasing enthusiasm increased somewhat, the spot-futures price spread narrowed mid-week, and there was bargain-hunting activity in spot cargo...