American medium plate demand has reduced a lot and is expected to drop further due to financial crisis.
Even though the steel mills have cut output, the price still consecutively plunges; however, it had strong demand two months ago.
Some mills are looking forward to a better market during the first quarter of 2009 in line with beginning of infrastructures and energy resource constructions.
The medium plate had overstocked 1.25 million tons in November and the standard plate price has been even down to US$1,102~1,146/ton presently, but it’s nevertheless higher than the current HR price US$551/ton. Source:Yieh.com