[SMM Hot-Rolled Coil Daily Trading] Spot Trading Volume Increased

In the short term, cost support driven by energy price increases, combined with a relatively small supply-demand imbalance, suggested that sheets & plates prices would continue to fluctuate at highs with limited room for correction. Risk-wise, after today's daytime session, the U.S. side indicated that the U.S. and Iran were close to reaching a deal, causing Brent crude oil futures to plunge sharply. In addition, steel prices rose too quickly in this round, with actual demand realization remaining weak. Apparent steel demand in May was expected to peak and pull back, and supply-demand imbalances in the steel sector would slowly accumulate in mid-to-late May. Attention should be paid to developments in the Middle East situation and the pace of demand pullback in China.

May 6, 2026 — Iron ore prices strengthened significantly in today's trading, with the benchmark I2609 futures contract closing at 816 RMB/ton, up 2.84% from the previous trading session. Spot port prices rose by 10–18 RMB/ton compared to the prior day. Traders showed increased quoting activity, while steel mills mainly purchased for essential needs with limited inquiries; overall spot market transactions remained subdued.

SMM News Flash:  [Sheets & Plates] HRC export prices today rose 8-10 USD/tonne DoD, while other sheets & plates prices increased 6-10 USD/tonne, driven by a sharp rally in futures. As it was the first working day after the holiday, most sellers reported quite strong market inquiries. However, due to the rapid price increase, acceptance outside China was lukewarm, and actual transaction prices may still have been at pre-holiday levels. [India] Major Indian steelmakers increased domestic HRC and CRC prices by around 11 USD/tonne for early May sales ahead of planned maintenance shutdowns. Domestic HRC prices rose to around 620-640 USD/tonne EXW, while CRC reached 697-722 USD/tonne.