For the Quarter Ending June 2022
North America
The US market for Hot-Dipped Galvanised Plate fell in the second quarter of 2022 compared to the first quarter, owing to weak demand and falling scrap prices. According to market participants, buyers face higher transportation costs and logistical bottlenecks. Most market participants predict price stability to lower scrap costs, but the Russian invasion of Ukraine and changes in the supply chain added further volatility to pig iron imports this year; demand remains strong in the short term. Service centers have been more active in the spot market, but mills have remained firm on offers. Mills have announced price increases for rebar to compete with imports and freight increases. Mills have announced rebar price increases to compete with imports, as well as increases in freight rates, as even imports face port congestion and higher trucking costs from the ports. Buyers claim that imports will arrive in September, causing prices to fall in the coming quarters.
Europe
In the European market, the Hot Dipped Galvanised plate witnessed a declining trend in the second quarter of 2022, primarily due to the plunging demand from the automobile and construction sectors amidst reduced import offers. With anticipated restocking and some EU manufacturers planning to stop galvanizing lines for maintenance, domestic supply will be reduced. As per market players, the mills have July-August delivery, but deals are mainly done for smaller tonnages for September delivery, as buyers have started to plan their stocks for autumn. Additionally, exporters are planning price rises for Europe after India introduced export duties on finished steel. Demand in the southern market was similarly muted, with no transactional activity. However, mills don't seem to be cutting production, and there is no chance to keep prices from falling with current demand and production rates. As a ripple effect, the Hot Dipped Galvanised plate showcased muted demand, primarily due to steelmakers' engagement in negotiations for long-term automotive contracts.
Asia Pacific
The Hot Dipped Galvanised Sheet market in Asia witnessed fluctuating market dynamics due to resumed production activity and decreased demand due to Covid-19 outbreaks in China. In addition, with increased supply expected after the country's steelmaking hub of Tangshan lifted its lockdown, Hot Dipped Galvanised Sheet prices fell further in April. Meanwhile, export demand remained weak, as rapid and sharp price drops kept buyers off the market. However, the Chinese market experienced an upward trend in May due to rising inflationary pressures and the resumption of industrial activities. Due to volatile coke costs and a continuous decline, mill losses are becoming more visible, and production cuts are increasing, alleviating inventory pressure in the short term. While the domestic Galvanized Steel Sheet market remained stable in June, gradually shifting to the traditional off-season period. Even though work and production have resumed in various locations, weather issues have impacted on-the-spot consumption. As a result, the prices for Hot-Dipped Galvanised Sheet and Pre-Painted Galvanised Sheet for Ex Shandong and Ex Tianjin settled at USD 890/MT and USD 970/MT, respectively.
For the Quarter Ending March 2022
North America
In the USA, the Galvanised Plain Sheet prices witnessed soaring market sentiments in the first quarter of 2022 amidst the outburst of war in Ukraine, and European sheet manufacturers experienced swirling raw material costs and disrupted supply chains. A few remained active but endeavored to confine order intake by offering very high prices for Galvanised Plain Sheet. According to market players, distributors increased their resale deals throughout March to hold stocks and supply regular buyers. During the first two weeks of March, the rapid price escalations boosted more panic buying among participants. Most distributors harboured sufficient stocks and were reluctant to replenish at rising values amid reduced inventory availability and robust demand from end-users. Market participants face two choices: reorder quotations at skyrocketing prices or allow gaps to appear in warehouses.
Asia
In India, the Galvanised Plain Sheet witnessed an upward trend due to rising raw material and coking coal prices. The prolonged hostility between Russia and Ukraine has stretched the supply chains, rocketing raw material prices. However, Indian steel manufacturers have raised quotations of CR Coil by more than USD 30-40 per tonne because of soaring coking coal prices. Additionally, Zinc metal prices also upsurged in the domestic market of India. Despite this, the Hot Dipped Galvanised Sheet declined in China due to the resumed production activity and decreased demand amidst the Covid-19 outbreaks. Also, with the expectations of increased supply after the country's steelmaking hub of Tangshan lifted its lockdown, the Hot Dipped Galvanised Sheet prices further plunged. Additionally, the Chinese mills slashed their export quotations for Hot-Dipped Galvanized Steel Sheets due to poor demand. As a ripple effect, the prices of Hot dipped Galvanised Sheet (1mm) for Ex-Mumbai, and Ex Shandong was assessed at INR 85350/MT and USD 885/MT during March-end.
Europe
During the first quarter of 2022, the Galvanised Plain Sheet prices witnessed soaring market sentiments in Russia due to the firm demand from downstream sectors and weak supply amidst the ongoing militancy between Russia and Ukraine. This extending conflict has provoked the prices of the raw materials, primarily coking coal and iron ore prices, to soar. Additionally, the coking coal prices tripled during mid-March owing to supply constraints and inflation over prices of crude and power. Meanwhile, domestic Steel manufacturers were adjusting to soaring energy prices and availability issues amid transport sit-downs pushed by the high fuel costs. According to Russian Market players, the power crisis amidst rising inflation over crude and power prices forced them to lean toward overseas supplies. Russia is among the leading steel exporters, and its war indulgence has uprooted the supply chain. However, Western countries' sanctions imposed on Russia have two-folded the impact on the Russian market. As a ripple effect, the Galvanised Plain Sheet prices showcased an uptick trend.
