Q4 Price Outlook:Cost Holds Bottom, Winter Stocking Awaits

Driven by raw material cost and constrained downstream demand, steel manufacturing hub Tangshan in Q4 fluctuates. With most steel mills’ difficult profit position,downstream rolling demand staying restrained, price upward trend remains stable. The market trend is expected to be divided into three phases.

October: Post-holiday stocking will push price high in early October, followed by a downward trend in late October.

November: Cold weather will weaken demand and price along with increased blast furnace maintenance.

December: The market enters winter stocking. But the bottom price is still attractive to buyers.

Sourcing Tips: Buy only for short-term needs in October. Keep inventory low in November to minimize risk. Purchase immediately once prices drop into bottom in December.