In the Asian markets there is a significant increase in prices for sheet steel

The mood of the players of the Asian market became noticeably improved. Galing and cold -rolled steel are growing up before our eyes. Posco joyfully reports that the February contract value of galvanized steel in rolls during the supply of CFR Hong Kong amounted to more than 750 dollars/ton, which is $ 30 more than in January 2013. Japanese galvanizing manufacturers were a little more modest, and added only $ 10 to the price, offering to conclude contracts for February at a price of $ 765/ton.

The average market price in the region for Korean and Chinese cold -rolled steel increased by $ 30 - 35/ton, reaching 660 - 670 dollars/ton CFR. Japanese metallurgists reported that they managed to sign February contracts for cold -rolled steel at a price of 690 - 700 dollars/ton CFR.

At the same time, almost all February volumes of cold -rolled steel and galvanizing are contracted. According to Steelguru, some Chinese plants had to refuse customers, as they were significantly reduced to domestic market deliveries.

Experts call the source of price increase the weakening of local currencies and the strengthening of the dollar, which allowed exporters to raise the contract value of steel. In addition, another reason is called an increase in iron ore prices, which has risen to $ 150/ton. The market is influenced by the expectation of more than 1 trillion of dollars of investments promised by the Chinese government for the development of the country's domestic market.

The current situation in the steel market of Southeast Asia clearly suggests that prices for cold-rolled steel, galvanizing and hot rolled roll will rise in March 2013. Only one question worries everyone - how much prices will increase? Baosteel analysts say that the prices for metal rolling in March will increase by 50-60 dollars/ton, and by April, an increase can reach $ 100/ton.