Metal Price Recovery Faces Input Cost Headwinds Globally
Metal prices are on the rise globally, but a key concern for sustainability remains input costs. A report by Centrum notes that metal prices have strengthened across major segments despite mixed demand conditions.
According to the report, hot-rolled coil (HRC) prices rose around 3 per cent month-on-month in both the US and Europe, while Chinese export HRC prices remained relatively stable.
In India, steel prices also recovered, with rebar surging nearly 10 per cent month-on-month and around 12 per cent year-over-year. Hot-rolled coil prices increased around 2 per cent month-on-month and around 19 per cent year-over-year.
The sharp rise in rebar prices was attributed to planned maintenance shutdowns at integrated steel plants, suspension of fresh bookings, lower inventories, tighter supply, and healthy demand. Hot-rolled coil prices benefited from limited availability, controlled dispatches, and stronger demand from the Middle East.