First Quarter of 2023 in North America Stainless Steel HR Coil Prices
North America
In the North American region, the Stainless-Steel HR Coil Prices varied over the three months in the first quarter of 2023. In January, there was a stagnancy in the pricing trend for Stainless-Steel HR Coil due to limited downstream inquiries amidst occasional import deals. However, stocks available in the spot market increased significantly as stainless-steel factories increased product distribution. Service centers continue to manage their inventories, attempting not to accumulate large stocks as the US economy’s trajectory remains uncertain after the first quarter. In February, the rates for Stainless-Steel CR Coil increased by more than 1.6% despite an inconsistent supply-demand outlook and shifting raw material costs. However, high US prices made lower-cost imports more alluring, resulting in increased imports of some stainless-steel goods. In March, the prices for Stainless-Steel HR Coil depressed due to low demand amid plentiful inventory available in the domestic market, and mills issued no new formal price increases. Weak orders from end-user industries were observed as buyers were wary of purchasing it at high prices in such a volatile market. Therefore, prices of Stainless Steel HR Coil for Ex Florida settled at USD 3654/MT on March 31.
Asia- Pacific
During the first quarter of 2023, the price trend of Stainless Steel HR Coil edged in a southward direction in the Asia-Pacific region due to high inventory levels and subdued downstream demand. According to market participants, both stainless steel prices and nickel prices fell in this quarter which weakened the cost pressure on the price of finished products. After returning from the Chinese New Year Holiday, Stainless-steel mills resumed their production following the temporary shutdown of plants; however, increased production resulted in dampened demand, and the stainless-steel inventory continued to grow. Although prices fell further in March, they remained higher than spot transaction prices, and the majority of buyers were waiting for more price drops. Spot transactions were also slow, and overseas demand was weak. Overall, Q1 was a challenging quarter for sellers. Therefore, prices of Stainless Steel HR Coil for Ex Shandong settled at USD 1395/MT on March 31.
Europe
In the European region, Stainless-Steel HR Coil maintained an overall stable price trend during the first quarter of 2023. In January, the pricing trend was stagnant due to the stable supply-demand outlook and higher inventory levels in the regional market. Buyers preferred to avoid stockpiling material and booked only the minimum required volumes, limiting trading activity. In February, prices increased by more than 1% owing to the robust downstream demand, and several big stainless-steel producers expected higher shipments in the first quarter of 2023. However, in March, the prices approached a downward trend as the market was under the pressure of weakening demand and uncertainty about the future outlook for Stainless Steel consumption. The trading continued to be a lull as buyers maintained a wait-and-see attitude. Flat-product stainless steelmakers were eager for sales, due to which they decreased the prices of Stainless Steel HR Coil in the final month of a quarter. Therefore, prices of Stainless Steel HR Coil for Ex Ruhr settled at USD 2670/MT on March 31.
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