Data: SHFE, DCE market movement (May 19)

The most-traded HRC contract declined first and then rebounded today, closing at 3,428 at the end of the session, down 0.32% intraday. Spot HRC prices mostly fell 10-20 yuan/mt today, with some markets remaining stable. In terms of supply, the impact from maintenance on hot-rolled production was 137,500 mt this week, down 98,500 mt WoW, and the impact from maintenance next week will be 185,500 mt, up 48,000 mt WoW, with overall pressure being neutral. Demand side, end-users mainly purchased at low prices. As futures rose at the end of the session, market transactions improved slightly, and there was also low-price shipments in the spot-futures price spread. Cost side, after macro front disturbances diminished, short-term cost support weakened somewhat. Looking ahead, the supply-dema....

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.