[SMM Hot-Rolled Coil Daily Trading] Spot Cargo Trading Weakened Again

[SMM Steel] Vietnam officially became the world’s 10th largest crude steel producer after April 2026 output reached 2.1 million mt, up 4% y-o-y, according to worldsteel data. January-April crude steel production totaled 8.5 million mt, rising 8.4% y-o-y. Market participants said the growth reflected Vietnam’s rapid expansion in integrated steelmaking capacity and increasing production of higher-value steel products. Hoa Phat remained the country’s largest producer, contributing around 11 million mt in 2025 and targeting over 14 million mt of crude steel output in 2026.

Today, the iron ore futures market showed weak fluctuations. The main contract I2609 finally closed at 781.5 RMB/ton, down slightly by 0.32% from the previous trading session. Port spot prices remained largely unchanged from the previous day. Traders showed moderate enthusiasm in quoting; steel mills made few inquiries, with a stronger wait-and-see sentiment and cautious procurement.