Wenzhou Shenghong Metal Products Co.,Ltd , https://www.shenghonglock.com
On July 22, the domestic steel market experienced a steady upward trend. Plate prices in the plate market rose steadily, while the Shijiazhuang market saw a slight decline. Hot-rolled coil prices remained on an upward trajectory, and cold-rolled coil prices stayed relatively stable. Coated coil prices also increased. According to the National Railway Development Plan, China's railway operating mileage is expected to reach 120,000 kilometers by 2020. However, as of the end of 2012, the country's railway network had only reached 98,000 kilometers, leaving a gap of 22,000 kilometers. Since the State Council restructured the Ministry of Railways, many planned railway projects have been delayed, and some high-speed rail lines have been put on hold.
Domestic steel price changes on July 22 showed mixed trends across major cities. The average price for Φ8mm hot-rolled bars was 3,594 yuan/ton, up 12 yuan/ton from the previous day. Φ20mm HRB400 rebar was priced at 3,560 yuan/ton, rising by 8 yuan/ton. The 20mm plate price stood at 3,667 yuan/ton, up 6 yuan/ton. The 5.75mm hot-rolled coil price climbed to 3,658 yuan/ton, increasing by 10 yuan/ton. The 1.0mm cold-rolled coil price remained unchanged at 4,479 yuan/ton, while the 1.0mm galvanized coil price rose by 8 yuan/ton to 4,605 yuan/ton. The 0.476mm color-coated coil price reached 5,666 yuan/ton, up 3 yuan/ton from the previous day.
In Shanghai, construction steel prices were stable, as were plate, hot-rolled, cold-rolled, and coated coil prices. The mainstream prices for Φ6.5mm HPB300 and Φ20mm HRB400 rebar were 3,620 yuan/ton and 3,470 yuan/ton respectively, showing no change from the previous day. The 20mm middle plate and 5.75mm hot-rolled coil prices were 3,640 yuan/ton and 3,600 yuan/ton, remaining flat. Cold-rolled, galvanized, and color-coated coils were priced at 4,420 yuan/ton, 4,610 yuan/ton, and 6,200 yuan/ton respectively, with no changes observed.
In Guangzhou, construction steel and plate prices increased slightly, while hot-rolled coil prices remained stable. Cold-rolled coil prices dropped, but coated coil prices stayed the same. The Φ6.5mm HPB300 and Φ18-22mm HRB400 rebar prices were 3,760 yuan/ton and 3,770 yuan/ton, up 20 yuan/ton from the previous day. The 20mm middle plate and 5.75mm hot-rolled coil prices were 3,830 yuan/ton and 3,770 yuan/ton, up 30 yuan/ton and unchanged, respectively. Cold-rolled, galvanized, and color-coated coils were priced at 4,480 yuan/ton, 4,570 yuan/ton, and 6,050 yuan/ton, down 20 yuan/ton, unchanged, and unchanged, respectively.
In Tianjin, construction steel prices rose steadily, while plate, hot-rolled, cold-rolled, and coated coil prices remained stable. The Φ6.5mm HPB300 and Φ18-22mm HRB400 rebar prices were 3,430 yuan/ton and 3,470 yuan/ton, with the latter rising by 20 yuan/ton. The 20mm middle plate and 5.75mm hot-rolled coil prices were 3,490 yuan/ton and 3,560 yuan/ton, both flat. Cold-rolled, galvanized, and color-coated coils were priced at 4,420 yuan/ton, 4,460 yuan/ton, and 4,950 yuan/ton, with no changes.
Steel mill pricing policies also saw adjustments. Hebei Iron and Steel Group raised hot-rolled coil and plate prices by 100–150 yuan/ton, while Handan Iron and Steel increased medium plate prices by 200 yuan/ton. Ma Steel, Nangang, and Xicheng introduced new pricing policies, with some raising prices by 50 yuan/ton. In construction steel, Handan Iron and Steel raised ex-factory prices by 220–270 yuan/ton, while other mills increased prices by 100–270 yuan/ton. Some companies, like Guiyang, only raised prices by 20 yuan/ton.
Internationally, South Korea’s plate imports declined by 46% year-on-year in the first half of 2013, while Japan’s small plate production rose by 3.1%. ArcelorMittal announced a deal to supply STX France with 40,000 tons of steel for a cruise ship project. In Germany, producer prices for industrial products remained flat, but rolling prices fell by 6.2%, with rebar prices down 12.1%.
Domestically, the Chinese economy is under pressure to maintain a growth rate of at least 7% to meet the goals set in the "Twelfth Five-Year Plan." On July 22, the central bank reported a decrease in the ** account balance, ending a six-month upward trend. Globally, the G20 continues to push for tax reforms and employment initiatives. In the U.S., economic indicators showed improvement, with the Fed considering potential policy shifts if GDP data weakens. In Europe, inflation remains low, and the UK reports continued public sector borrowing. Overall, the steel industry faces a mix of domestic and global challenges, with ongoing efforts to adapt and improve efficiency.