The steel market has entered a volatile phase as the Central Economic Work Conference set a "steady progress" tone for the next year, signaling optimism for the domestic economy. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) responded positively to the impact of large-scale infrastructure projects, leading to a rapid upward trend in the steel market. However, with seasonal demand entering a low period, trading volumes remained light, and traders showed little enthusiasm for winter stockpiling. Some product specifications experienced slight corrections. Despite this, rising cost support and a stable market sentiment suggest that the steel market is on the verge of a strong rebound.
According to the Lange Steel Information Research Center's weekly price forecast model, this week (Dec 24–28, 2012) is expected to see a slight increase in domestic steel prices. The long product market will see a modest rise, while the plate market may experience fluctuations. The Lange Steel Composite Index is projected to hover around 149.1, with an average steel price of approximately 3,880 yuan per ton and a volatility range of about 30 yuan. The long product index is expected to remain around 162.6, up slightly by 0.7 points, while the steel sheet index is likely to stay near 132.7, also showing a minor increase.
Market surveys by the Lange Steel Information Research Center indicate that long product prices are expected to rise slightly this week, while plate prices may fluctuate. Raw material prices are anticipated to climb steadily. Iron ore prices are expected to rise by 20 yuan, coke prices will remain stable, scrap prices are set to increase by 50 yuan, and billet prices are likely to go up by 30 yuan.
Looking back at the 51st week of 2012 (Dec 17–21), the Lange Steel Composite Price Index reached 148.4 points, marking a 1.01% weekly increase and a 12.93% decline from the same period last year. The long product index was 161.9 points, up 0.98% weekly, while the sheet index stood at 132 points, up 1.06% weekly. Among the 44 standard steel products monitored, 28 varieties saw a slight price increase, 7 remained flat, and 9 declined. Iron ore prices rose between 30–75 yuan, coke prices increased by 20 yuan, scrap prices went up by 30 yuan, and billet prices rose by 80–90 yuan.
This week, national steel stocks continued to decline. On December 21, the total steel inventory in 29 key cities reached 11.7495 million tons, down 67,000 tons from the previous week. Wire rod inventories dropped by 1.00%, rebar inventories fell by 0.14%, while panluo inventories rose by 5.39%. Hot-rolled coil and cold-rolled coil inventories decreased slightly, and plate inventories fell by 2.74%.
In the 51st week of 2012, the steel market remained relatively stable. Rebar prices showed limited movement, with a weekly closing price increase of 7 points after two weeks of gains. The main contract volume for rebar was 1.353 million lots, down 133,000 lots from the previous week. A notable trend is that positions tend to increase when prices rise but decrease when they fall, indicating weak short-term pressure on prices.
Macroeconomic factors continue to influence steel prices. In November, heavy industry electricity consumption surged, contributing significantly to overall growth. Industrial electricity use rose by 7.0% year-on-year, with a contribution rate of 69.5% to societal electricity growth. Fiscal policies for 2013 include increased investment in urbanization, while the central bank emphasized maintaining a prudent monetary policy and deepening financial reforms.
Industry news highlights a drop in crude steel production in early December, with key steelmakers producing 1.945 million tons. Thailand initiated an anti-dumping investigation against Chinese high-carbon steel rods, adding to trade tensions. Meanwhile, downstream demand remains mixed, with fixed asset investment showing a slight increase and shipbuilding indicators declining.
New wind power projects across 16 provinces received approval, boosting future orders for equipment manufacturers. The National Development and Reform Commission also approved several major infrastructure projects, including power grid upgrades and western development initiatives, signaling continued investment in the sector.
Spring Pull-Out Sink Faucet,Pull Out Spring Kitchen Tap,Pull Out Spring Neck Taps,Spring Pull Out Sink Faucet
Heshan Janno Kitchen and Bath Technology Co.,Ltd , https://www.janno-ks.com