China: Billet prices remain flat d-o-d; demand cools amid winter sentiment

  • Chinese billet prices were steady d-o-d at RMB 2,950/t ($414/t), while SHFE Jan’26 rebar fell RMB 35/t ($5/t) to RMB 3,044/t ($427/t).
  • Market sentiment weakened amid the “winter mood,” with traders expecting further downside. High inventories and weak futures continued to pressure prices.
  • Mills may need deeper output cuts to restore balance, while southern mills trimmed export offers by $5-10/t to attract cautious buyers.