Steel scrap market // Week 36
Turkish factories stepped up purchasing imported steel scrap on Friday. Before that date, however, they had been slow to enter into new deals amid dull sales of finished steel products.
Commodity markets
Iron ore market // Week 36
Iron ore prices have been fluctuating this week. At the same time, Australian exporters of Fe 62% iron ore fines have managed to raise quotes by about $2/t as this type of ore is the most popular in China.
Coal market // Week 36
Quotes for imported coal have inched down in Western Europe as consumers are still trying to lower prices a bit. At the same time, players note demand in Europe. Signed deals have been reported, including from utility companies.
Iron ore market // Week 35
Australian iron ore prices have inched up over the week, while those for Brazilian origin have sagged slightly. Note that on the one hand, the price increase has been supported by growing futures, but on the other hand, low trade and concerns about new steel production curbs in China have put pressure on iron…… Read more »
Coal market // Week 35
Quotes for imported thermal coal remain high in West Europe despite a slight decline seen in late August. Prices are supported by a slight trade upturn. Two contracts have been reportedly signed during the week, while one German company has announced a large tender for the purchase of coal.
Iron ore market // Week 34
Prices for iron ore of literally all major origins have risen owing to, firstly, scant inflow of the raw material to the sales markets and, secondly, strong demand from China where the principal producers show high pace of steel production this week.
Coal market // Week 34
Quotes for imported thermal coal continue to grow in Western Europe (for the third week in a row) amid uncertainty on the gas market. The start of direct LNG deliveries to Germany reduces the country’s dependence on coal imports, but so far this is not reflected in coal prices in ARA ports.
Soybean market // Week 33
Quotes for U.S. soybeans dropped amid improved crop ratings. According to the USDA, as of August 13, the state of 59% of the crops was assessed as good/excellent (54% a week earlier and 58% last year).
Coal market // Week 33
Thermal coal prices keep going up on the West European market, although trade remains dull in the region. Not a single fresh deal has been reported this week.
Iron ore market // Week 33
Iron ore prices have started rising again amid expectations of the upcoming steel output splash in China as well as due to small iron ore stockpiles at local ports