Billet and rebar prices to Southeast Asia stayed flat, while indications were heard at similar ranges on the day.

       S&P Global Platts assessed the 5SP 130 mm billet spot price at $443/mt CFR Southeast Asia Oct. 2, unchanged on the day.

       Indicative offers for Russian 5SP130 mm cargoes to Manila were heard at $445/mt CFR, while Vietnam-origin IF billet offers were at $442/mt CFR. Buying interest, however, remained muted. "Buyers don't want to make big moves while China is away now," a Manila-based trader said.

       "Most want to observe how [the Chinese] demand is after the holidays, which could impact sentiment."

       In other areas of Southeast Asia, Iranian origin material was heard offered to Thailand at $440/mt CFR within the week, but received buying indications below $430/mt levels.