[SMM Steel]

[India Domestic] The domestic steel market stayed firm with prices rising across semis and finished steel. Sponge iron led the gains as higher coal costs and tight material supply continue to push prices up. Raipur billet increased by 5.24USD/tonne (500INR/tonne) to 450.78USD/tonne (43,000INR/tonne) EXW Raipur. PDRI sponge iron up by 6.29USD/tonne (600INR/tonne) to 308.27USD/tonne (29,400INR/tonne) EXW Raipur. Bellary PDRI sponge iron rose by 8.38USD/tonne (800INR/tonne) to 317.68USD/tonne (30,300INR/tonne) EXW Bellary. In Bellary, sellers are quoting sponge iron at 316.63-317.66USD/tonne (30,200-30,300INR/tonne), while buyers are bidding lower at 315.56-316.63USD/tonne (30,100-30,200INR/tonne). Despite this gap, very little actual business has been concluded so far. Market participants noted, the wider coal dynamics are shaping this trend. As coal prices rose, imported coal briefly became cost-competitive compared to domestic coal, so buyers are moving back to domestic coal. This shift has left material availability tight. Mumbai Rebar up by 2.90USD/tonne (200INR/tonne) to 530.56USD/tonne (50,600INR/tonne) EXW Mumbai. Ingot up by 1.05USD/tonne (100INR/tonne) to 488.52USD/tonne (46,600INR/tonne) EXW Mandi.

[Indonesia] Currently, wire rod prices stand at 505 USD per metric ton FOB. The situation remains in a wait-and-see phase, and there has been no movement whatsoever from Chinese steel producers. However, the Indonesian currency currently appears stronger than before, which could potentially trigger changes in steel prices. Nevertheless, steel mills remain comfortable with the current price, and this change is unlikely to affect it. However, given this development, the market may experience light on how the movement is.

Indonesia’s seaborne coal exports totaled 36.10 million tonnes in August 2026, down 23.34% year on year and 6.54% month on month. Exports declined for a third consecutive month to their lowest August level in five years. Drought lowered water depths on the Barito River from the usual 8–18 metres to 3–4 metres, forcing some barges to halve their loads. Some stretches became unnavigable, and several producers declared force majeure. Shipments to major destinations were mixed: exports to China and India reached 14.47 million tonnes and 7.10 million tonnes, up 1.26% and 12.01% month on month, respectively, while shipments to the Philippines and Vietnam fell 26.38% and 21.58%.