China: Steel billet prices flat; SHFE rebar silps by $2/t d-o-d

  • Chinese billet prices stayed flat d-o-d at RMB 2,950/t ($419/t) on 19 Dec, while SHFE rebar prices slipped RMB 14/t ($2/t) to RMB 3,076/t ($437/t).
  • The market remains largely stagnant, with trade volumes down sharply and social inventories still declining.
  • Export activity is slow despite minor base price hikes, while mills maintain local pricing and allocations.
  • Overall sentiment remains cautious heading into year-end.