Data: SHFE, DCE market movement (May 19)

This week, hot-rolled coil inventory at Zhangjiagang was 298,000 mt, down 10,000 mt WoW, a decline of 3.25%; the solar calendar YoY decline was 14.61%, and the lunar calendar YoY decline was 21.58%.

[SMM Steel] Tata Steel Nederland said it is evaluating the accelerated closure of its KGF 1 and KGF 2 coke and gas plants after Dutch regulator ODNZKG announced plans to revoke operating permits for the facilities. The company stated that shutting down the units earlier than planned would be technically and logistically complex, with significant environmental and safety considerations. Tata Steel warned that regulatory uncertainty could create additional operational risks for the company and affect its broader production transformation plans. The coke plants are a key part of TSN’s integrated steelmaking chain. The development follows a recent EUR8.5 million fine imposed on Tata Steel Nederland in April 2026 for exceeding emission limits at one of its coke facilities.

[SMM Steel] US rebar exports totaled 5,149 tonnes in March 2026, up 4.1% m-o-m but down 70.5% y-o-y, according to US Department of Commerce export data. Export value fell to 4.08 million USD from 4.65 million USD in February and 14.71 million USD in March 2025. Canada remained the largest destination for US rebar exports with 2,558 tonnes, although shipments were significantly lower compared with 3,174 tonnes in February and 10,350 tonnes in March last year.