Market Data
March 25, 2013
China Trade Data for February
Written by John Packard
The following table is of the Chinese trade data for the month of February 2013. Tonnage shown is in thousands of metric tons.
Latest in Market Data
N. American auto assemblies rose in February
North American auto assemblies gained ground in February, up more than 8% vs. January, but still down more than 4% year on year (y/y), according to GlobalData.
SMU’s Mill Order Index slows in February
SMU’s Mill Order Index (MOI) eased in February. The result came as a marginal increase in service center intake levels was offset by higher shipments, according to our latest service center inventories data.
Final Thoughts
Sheet prices continue to inch higher. And people who once thought hot-rolled coil (HR) prices couldn’t go above $1,000 are now saying $1,100 doesn’t seem out of the question.
SMU Price Ranges: Modest increases in sheet, plate stable
The pace of sheet and plate price increases slowed this week, with most products holding at some of the highest levels seen in over a year.
Global steel output slowed in February
Global raw steel production declined 3.7% from January to an estimated 141.8 million metric tons (mt) in February, according worldsteel data. Output was one of the lowest totals over the past three years.