- Imports likely to see sharp rise in Aug’25
- Trade prices decline by INR 400/t m-o-m
India’s hot-rolled (HR) plate (IS2062, Gr E250 Br, 20-40 mm) prices remained range-bound w-o-w at INR 53,500-55,500/tonne (t) exy-Mumbai on 6 August 2025, amid subdued trade activity. Additionally, prices of hot strip mill (HSM) plates (IS2062, Gr E250 Br, 5-10 mm) remained range-bound w-o-w at INR 49,500-50,500 /t exy-Mumbai. Prices exclude 18% GST.
Market overview
Trade prices fall marginally m-o-m: Monthly average trade prices of HR plate (IS2062, Gr E250 Br, 20-40 mm) fell by INR 400/t to INR 54,500/t in July 2025 from INR 54,900/t in June. The month was sluggish, with limited sales and tepid demand.
“The previous month proved challenging for the flat products segment, with prices declining across all categories. Demand recovery has yet to materialise, keeping prices largely stable. However, if demand fails to improve post-monsoon, we do not expect a recovery in demand for the rest of the year,” a market participant informed BigMint.
Imports expected to surge in Aug’25: As of 6 August 2025, HR plate imports reached 11,683 t, with an additional 23,438 t also projected to arrive in August, based on current vessel line-up data from BigMint. The projected total volume indicates a sharp rise from previous months.
In comparison, import volumes stood at just 30,700 t in July, according to vessel line-up data from BigMint. June saw 2,469 t of arrivals and May 14,672 t.
Chinese heavy plate export offers rise: As of 6 August 2025, export offers for Chinese SS400 heavy plates increased by $10/t w-o-w to $500/t FOB China from the previous week’s $490/t.
Outlook
Indian HR plate prices are likely to face mild downside pressure in the near term amid weak demand and rising imports, despite firmer Chinese export offers. Range-bound trade may persist, but higher arrivals could weigh on market sentiment.
Leave a Reply