Chequered Plate Market Splits: Modest Gains in China, Declines in Germany

Chequered Plate prices in China held steady with a minor upward trend in May, contrasting with a fall in German prices. The price fall in Germany was primarily driven by weak demand from key downstream sectors, while in China, higher raw material costs led to the slight increase.

Key takeaways:

• Chequered Plate prices in China rose MoM in May 2025, driven by higher raw material costs and optimism from improved US-China tariff negotiations.
• Entering June, the market has entered its typical off-season, with price direction expected to hinge on production adjustments and actual supply-demand balance.
• Prices in Germany dropped in May due to weakened demand, especially from the construction and automotive sectors. Increased Chequered Plate imports from China and Indonesia pressured German prices and margins, exacerbating oversupply concerns.

Germany

Chequered Plate demand in Germany fell in May 2025 as the construction sector contracted rapidly. This was largely due to sharper declines in housing and commercial activity, with overall new orders diminishing amidst persistent uncertainty and elevated prices, resulting in continued drops in new purchasing.

Additionally, the automotive sector, a key area for Chequered Plate demand, faced headwinds in May, with German new passenger car registrations declining by 1.4% decrease from the previous month, as reported by the KBA.

The German Chequered Plate market faced pressure from oversupply, as increased production from China and Indonesia impacted margins. This occurred despite initial signs of market recovery in May. Owing to these factors, chequered plate prices in Germany decreased by 1.8% MoM.

China

Chequered Plate prices in China climbed 0.6% month-over-month, but this upward trend in trading volume belies limited actual demand, keeping buyers wary. Steel mills have largely completed May orders, indicating looming supply increases. Furthermore, as the tariff suspension impact diminishes, future price trends for Chequered Plate warrant a conservative view.

The stainless-steel chequered plate market in China has seen prices rebound after a period of decline, buoyed by more positive US-China tariff negotiations. While this development is welcome, current transactions may largely reflect speculative interest, with sustained demand yet to be confirmed. Businesses are hopeful that favorable tariff policies and the rollout of domestic demand stimulus packages will eventually translate into real market recovery.

The Chequered Plate market has entered its usual consumption lull in June. With temporary relief from macro disturbances, prices will primarily be based on supply and demand dynamics. It is anticipated that there will be further reduction in overall production as more steel mills implement planned output cuts and maintenance.