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    CRU: Sheet demand weakness abounds globally, US HR coil prices near those elsewhere

    Written by Ryan McKinley


    Low global sheet demand continued to weigh on prices around the world this week. In the US, mills were forced to remain aggressive to secure orders during this period of demand weakness. And compounded by recent new capacity ramp-ups, has forced US hot rolled (HR) coil prices down closer to levels seen in offshore markets.

    European demand weakness has thwarted mill efforts to increase prices, and market participants do not see this trend ending in the near term. In Asia, falling Chinese domestic and export prices pressured tags elsewhere in the region lower week on week (w/w).

    Ryan McKinley

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