The steel market at Black Sea witnessed contrary movement last week, as longs were in positive mode while flats declined.
Billets market improved to USD 540 per tonne to USD 550 per tonne FOB ST Black Sea although most of the deals were concluded at USD 540 per tonne. But some uncertainty appeared in the last days due to minor decrease of the Turkish prices.
Demand for finished longs was not really good, but positive mood allowed to rise prices by about USD 20 per tonne. Quotations were starting with USD 580 per tonne for rebars and wire rod and going up to USD 600 per tonne for certain destinations like Iraq.
On the other hand, HRC prices were on declining trend and lost about USD 20 per tonne last week. The Ukrainian material was offered at USD 540 per tonne to USD 580 per tonne while Russian HRC was heard at USD 580 per tonne to USD 600 per tonne FOB ST Black Sea.
Heavy plates also followed the trend in hot band and offers from different Ukrainian producers were heard at USD 580 per tonne and USD 600 per tonne to USD 620 per tonne. Russian producers kept their plate price offers in the range of USD 620 per tonne to USD 640 per tonne FOB ST Black Sea.
Market players are expecting further dip in hot band as well as plate prices this week.