- HRC, CRC prices rise w-o-w
- Tight supply, higher inputs support outlook
Trade-level prices of hot-rolled coils (HRC) in India showed uptick w-o-w on 27 January amid positive market sentiments, with HRC prices assessed in the range of INR 50,600-53,200/t ($552-580/t). Reflecting this trend, cold-rolled coil (CRC) prices also edged up w-o-w, with prices assessed at INR 55,200-60,000/t ($602-655/t).
BigMint’s benchmark assessment (bi-weekly) for HRC (IS2062, Gr E250, 2.5-8 mm/CTL) increased by INR 600/t ($6/t) w-o-w to INR 53,000/t ($578/t) on 27 January against INR 52,400/t ($572/t) on 20 January. Additionally, CRC (IS513, Gr O, 0.9 mm/CTL) prices rose by INR 900/t ($10/t) w-o-w to INR 58,800/t ($642/t) on Tuesday against INR 57,900/t ($632/t) a week ago. These prices are ex-Mumbai for the distributor-to-dealer segment and exclude 18% GST.
Market updates
Indian trade-level HRC prices saw a modest uptick this week, driven by positive market sentiment. Additionally, tight supply conditions further supported the upward trend following mill-announced price hikes, although demand remained moderate.
Furthermore, a market participant informed BigMint that “prices are likely to increase by INR 1,200–1,500/t in February”, keeping the market outlook positive.
Meanwhile, BigMint’s premium hard coking coal index jumped by $17/t w-o-w to $264/t CNF Paradip on 23 January 2026, further lending support to the uptick in HRC prices. The increase was backed by a reported 75,000-t cargo sale at $250/t FOB Australia.
Import volumes: India’s bulk imports of HRCs touched 196,113 t as of 23 January, based on vessel line-up data. Around 1,14,789 t of additional cargoes are expected by early-February.
Export volumes: India’s bulk exports of HRCs touched 51,753 t as of 23 January and around 62,425 t of additional cargo are being shipped.
Outlook
HRC prices in India are expected to move up in the near term, supported by tight supply conditions and rising raw material costs. Additionally, further price announcements from mills are likely to shape the market trajectory, as participants indicated that additional increases can be expected in the coming month.
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