[SMM Steel] India Domestic Prices Mostly Flat Amid Low Activity

India's expanding steel capacity is expected to support stronger domestic ferro-alloy demand, but raw-material availability and high power costs remain key constraints, the Indian Ferro Alloy Producers' Association said at the International Ferro Alloys Conference in Goa. The industry body called for faster development of domestic manganese and chrome ore resources, lower power-related costs and zero import duties on certain raw materials where suitable domestic grades are unavailable. It said these measures would help Indian ferro-alloy producers remain competitive as demand for silicomanganese, ferromanganese, ferrochrome and other alloying materials rises alongside steel production. The association also highlighted the need for cleaner energy, improved furnace efficiency and better raw-material utilisation as the sector expands.

[Sheets & Plates] HRC and other sheets & plates export prices rose $1-2/mt WoW today, with some products holding steady. HRC transaction prices were concentrated in the $492-495/mt range. Recently, China's price advantage has been greater than outside China, and with the upcoming dual festivals, overseas purchasing activity has improved significantly, leading to better market transactions.

[India Export] Indian HRC offers into Europe rose to 715–730USD/tonne CFR late on September 16. No transactions were confirmed at these levels, as market participants continued to await clarity on quota availability and customs-clearance timing. Buyers remained cautious about committing to fresh cargoes until the duty-free access position for Indian-origin material became clearer. Billet export indications were heard at 470USD/tonne FOB India. In the imported scrap market, HMS 1&2 (80:20) was heard above 375USD/tonne CFR India on September 17, compared with 360–370USD/tonne CFR Nhava Sheva/Mundra for UK/US-origin material on September 16. Shredded scrap increased to approximately 410–415USD/tonne CFR India, from 405–410USD/tonne previously. Suppliers said sales to India had been paused for about a week because of PSIC-related issues, while the Chattogram market remained quiet for several days. In the domestic HRC market, mill levels were heard at approximately 625–631USD/tonne (60,000–60,500INR/tonne) EXW, while ex-yard Mumbai indications were around 667USD/tonne (64,000INR/tonne), excluding GST.