The expectation of buyers for lower prices from Chinese sources has been frustrated as all Mills and Traders have offered conditions well above desired levels. This is due to a temporary price increase in the domestic Chinese market and in a simultaneous increase of freights by USD 20 to 25 per tonne.
After the rather good performance of September, when customers were placing orders on wave of low stock levels an extended period of stagnation seems to be on the offing as demand remains sluggish. Retail prices remains under pressure and financing is costly adding to the gloom. Buyers are decided in buying only when conditions are fully matching their expectations .Since stock levels are still not critical, they rather prefer to drop and wait.
Traders and Mills of Ukraine that have been able to book orders of HRC and HRP to South Europe at levels between Euro 350 -370 per tonne for HRC and Euro 360 - 370 per tonne for HRP, on CFR FO terms partially matching buyers expectation.
The happenings in November would be largely dependant on the movements in China, although December is expected to be somewhat better in South Europe owing to stock reshuffling and purchase for fiscal reasons.
1. Plates
HRP
S 235 / S275JR
5-20x2000
| Country | Domestic | Import |
| Germany | 0 | 0 |
| Spain | -10 | 0 |
| Italy | -10 | 0 |
Change is on October 23rd as compared to October 16th 2009
In EUR per tonne
2. Hot Rolled Coils
HRC
S235JR
2-12x1000-1500
| Country | Domestic | Import |
| Germany | -10 | 0 |
| Spain | -20 | -5 |
| Italy | 0 | 0 |
Change is on October 23rd as compared to October 16th 2009
In EUR per tonne
3. Cold Rolled coils
CRC
DC 01
0.60 Avx1250
| Country | Domestic | Import |
| Germany | -10 | 0 |
| Spain | -20 | -10 |
| Italy | -10 | 0 |
Change is on October 23rd as compared to October 16th 2009
In EUR per tonne
4. Hot Dipped Galvanized
HDG
DX 51 D / Z100-120 / AS
0.55 - 0.57x AW
| Country | Domestic | Import |
| Germany | 0 | -20 |
| Spain | -5 | -10 |
| Italy | -10 | -10 |
Change is on October 23rd as compared to October 16th 2009
In EUR per tonne
All prices are net to the final customer with following payment terms
A. Italy & Spain
1. Domestic prices are EXW or DDP with payment 90 days from delivery
2. Import prices are CIF FO with LC at 90 days from B/L date
B. Germany
1. Domestic prices are EXW or DDP with payment on the 15th of the following month
2. Import prices are CFR FO with open term payment at 30 days from date of arrival
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(Sourced from www.steelprices-europe.com)
| Product | Grade | Thick mm | Change |
| HRP | S235JR | 10-60x2500 | -10 |
| HRP | S355J2+N | 10-60x2500 | -10 |
| HRC | S235JR | 2-12x1250 | -10 |
| CRC | DC 01 | 0.60 Avx1250 | 0 |
| HDG | DX 51 D/Z 180/NA-C | 0.60 Avx1250 | -10 |
