Steel Bazaar Update – Advisory Bazaar Info Services

🔹 China Domestic Iron Ore:

The Tangshan market remained stable, with 66-grade dry ore prices at 870–880 yuan/mt (incl. tax). Some Shandong supplies moved to Hebei, improving availability. Rising raw material costs have kept local prices firm. Supply-demand is in stalemate; steel mills are purchasing on a need-only basis.

🔹 Imported Iron Ore:

DCE iron ore futures (I2509) closed up 0.14% at 733. PB fines traded at 723–724 yuan/mt in Shandong and 733–735 yuan/mt in Tangshan, slightly higher than the previous day. Limited impact from blast furnace maintenance and tight short-term supply have supported price recovery.

🔹 Coking Coal:

Low-sulphur coal prices stood at 1,180 yuan/mt in Linfen and 1,200 yuan/mt in Tangshan. Some previously closed coal mines have resumed output, increasing supply expectations. However, coking plant profitability is weak, limiting short-term upside in coal prices.

🔹 Coke:

National average prices – dry quenching first-grade: 1,440 yuan/mt; wet quenching: 1,120 yuan/mt. Coke sales are smooth; inventories are declining. Despite minor reductions in pig iron output, coke demand remains firm. Short-term prices may slightly rise due to supply discipline.

🔹 Rebar:

Rebar futures fell 0.13% to close at 3063. Spot prices dropped by 10–20 yuan/mt but recovered slightly later in the day. EAF mills are operating at low rates; some blast furnace mills resumed production. Construction demand is weak due to typhoon warnings and heatwaves. Prices may face downward pressure in the short term.

🔹 HRC (Hot Rolled Coil):

HRC futures closed down 0.06% at 3191. Spot market showed minor 10-yuan/mt fluctuations. South China saw better trades than other regions. Inventory drawdowns suggest stable demand, but recent export orders have weakened. Market likely to remain rangebound between 3150–3250 ahead of policy decisions and tariff impacts.