[SMM Iron & Steel] Kazakhstan's Qarmet Invests $400 Million to Expand Kentobe Iron Ore Mine

In H1 this year, new special bonds worth 2.07 trillion yuan were issued, with the issuance progress at about 47%. The funds were mainly used for key areas such as municipal and industrial park infrastructure, transport infrastructure, urban renewal, and social programs, effectively meeting the funding needs of major projects in key areas. Special bonds used as project capital exceeded 170 billion yuan, better leveraging the role of government investment to produce a multiplier effect.

[Plate/HRC] Today HRC and other flat-product export prices were flat day on day, with HRC deal prices at 486-491 USD/tonne. Overseas markets still saw no clearpick-up in volume and remained largely wait-and-see; some domestic traders selling short were able to secure a certain amount of volume. [Billet] Today export billet FOB prices were steady, with Jiangyin quoted at 457-459 USD/tonne. It is understood that the current international situation is unstableand a partial strait blockade in the Middle East has weighed somewhat on steel exports, with most Middle-East buyers taking a wait-and-see stance pendinggreater clarity. Meanwhile domestic billet export offers held no clear competitive edge, making deals hard to close. [Rebar] Today Tianjin rebar export prices were steady, with deals at 479-484 USD/tonne. Market participants reported ordinary inquiries; some South-China millsquoted rebar exports on the high side at 510 USD/tonne FOB, but the high offers struggled to clear.