HRC futures rose first then fell today, with the most-traded contract closing at 3,265, down 0.34% intraday; spot market prices remained relatively stable. Supply side, this week's HRC maintenance impact reached 274,500 mt, up 12,000 mt WoW; next week's HRC maintenance impact is projected at 24.59 mt, down 28,600 mt WoW, while HRC production remained stable WoW ahead of the holiday. Demand side, manufacturing end-users gradually entered holiday mode this week, purchasing enthusiasm slowed down, with end-users purchasing as needed. Raw material side, hot metal output is expected to rebound MoM, but pre-holiday restocking by steel mills has temporarily concluded, leaving cost support neutral. Looking ahead, sheets & plates still lack clear short-term drivers and are expected to continue fluctuating rangebound following broader market sentiment.

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