[SMM Steel] VND Depreciation Lowers USD-Denominated Steel Prices as Peak-Season Demand Expectations Strengthen
[Vietnam] Vietnam’s steel market remained relatively stable, with construction steel prices easing slightly to around 530 USD/tonne EXW as the depreciation of the VND lowered the USD-denominated price, while prices in VND remained largely unchanged. HRC prices stood at approximately 514–521 USD/tonne CFR Ho Chi Minh City due to the same exchange-rate effect. The market could gradually shift from weak demand in late August toward expectations of a recovery during the upcoming peak season, with pre-season inventory restocking ahead of September potentially providing a phased boost to steel prices. Major mills are also expected to announce their new prices this week ahead of the September 2 Independence Day holiday, which could provide a clearer indication of the near-term price direction.