Platts assessed the SS400 grade, 12-20 mm thick plate at $785/mt FOB China, down $15/mt on the week. On a CFR East Asia basis, similar grades of 12-25 mm thick plate were assessed at $800/mt, down $25/mt on the week, showed S&P Global data.

          Chinese-origin plate offers fell over the week amid weak import demand within east Asia, with a major mill heard offering at $800-$820/mt on an FOB China basis for July shipment.

          “Middle East and demand from the Americas are okay but offshore is silent,” said a northeastern mill source.

          In Vietnam, imported plate offers fell strongly and were heard around $807-$810/mt on a CFR Vietnam basis for July shipment.

          “At present, the overall steel market is not optimistic, and it is difficult for the medium plate to be immune. The impact of the pandemic on domestic demand is not good, and inflation in the international market is serious … it is two vicious cycles,” said an eastern China mill source.

          Chinese domestic prices of the Q235 grade material were assessed at Yuan 5,050/mt ex-stock Shanghai, including VAT, down Yuan 50/mt on the week.