[SMM Steel] India domestic Steel & Scrap: Prices Edge Up Despite Weak Demand; Near-Term Outlook Stable to Soft

[India] Domestic steel and scrap prices have edged up slightly on Wednesday but demand remains subdued and buying interest is still limited. Several primary steel producers are under maintenance, reducing mill buying and raw-material consumption. Ship-breaking Melting scrap prices in Alang edged up 2.10USD/tonne on Monday to 346USD/tonne ex-yard (33,000INR/tonne).

In northern Mandi Gobindgarh, HMS 1&2 (80:20) up by at 1.05USD/tonne (100 INR/tonne) to 353USD/tonne del Mandi consumer (33,700 INR/tonne). Meanwhile, In Southern, HMS 1&2 (80:20) remained flat to 325 USD/tonne del Chennai consumer (31,000 INR/tonne). Chennai sponge iron PDRI up by 2.10USD/tonne to 275USD/tonne del Chennai consumer (26,250 INR/tonne). Chennai rebar prices edged up to 490USD/tonne ex-works (46,700 INR/tonne). Monsoon conditions and weak construction activity are likely to keep demand soft in the coming week. Prices are expected to remain stable to slightly soft with limited downside and no major correction expected in the near term.