Curtain Wall Glass,Colored Glass,Glass Wall,Glass Curtain Wall SHANDONG TOP LEADER GLASS CO.,LTD , https://www.topleaderglass.com
In the current stable macroeconomic environment, China’s manufacturing sector continues to show resilience. In November, the official Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) stood at 51.4%, maintaining its level from the previous month. Meanwhile, the final HSBC China Manufacturing PMI reached 50.8%, with the new orders index hitting an eight-month high of 51.7%. These figures indicate that economic growth remains steady, though the steel market has entered its off-season, leading to a gradual decline in demand. As a result, the domestic steel market is expected to experience moderate fluctuations during the week of December 9–13, 2013.
According to the weekly price forecast model from the Information Research Center, steel prices are expected to remain relatively stable this week. Long product prices may see a slight decline, while plate prices could fluctuate. The national steel price index is projected to hover around 139.1 points, with an average steel price of approximately 3,620 yuan, showing a small fluctuation of about 20 yuan. Specifically, the long steel price index is expected to stay near 156.9 points, slightly down by 0.6 points, while the sheet price index is anticipated to remain around 117.9 points, with minimal changes.
Market research data from the Information Research Center also indicates that domestic long product prices will likely decrease slightly this week, while plate prices will remain volatile. Raw material prices are expected to remain within a narrow range, with iron ore prices rising slightly and coke prices staying stable. Scrap prices may decline, and billet prices are expected to weaken gradually.
Looking at the broader steel market, the national comprehensive steel price index rose to 139.5 points during the 49th week of 2013 (December 2–6), reflecting a 0.52% increase from the previous week and a 4.36% rise compared to the same period last year. The long product price index reached 157.5 points, up 0.67% from the prior week but down 1.16% from the same time last year. The board price index was 117.8 points, a 0.27% increase from the previous week but a 9.09% drop from the same period last year.
During the 49th week, 17 out of 44 types of iron and steel raw materials and products saw price increases, with 11 varieties rising—up from the previous week. A total of 26 remained flat, and 7 declined, showing a reduction in falling varieties. Iron ore, coke, and billet prices stayed stable, while scrap prices continued to rise steadily.
This week, the steel market showed some upward movement. The main contract for rebar (RB1405) experienced fluctuations, with a closing price increase of 32 points from the previous week. Although gains were positive, spot prices did not fully follow the trend, and market sentiment remained cautious. The main force positions increased significantly, indicating a more determined stance that could support future market development.
Steel stock levels across the country have been declining for eight consecutive weeks. The rate of decline in building materials inventory has slowed slightly, while the rate of decline in sheet stock has accelerated. On December 6, the total steel stock in 29 key cities reached 12.3692 million tons, a decrease of 77,900 tons from the previous week. Wire rod inventory increased slightly, while rebar and hot rolled coil inventories continued to fall.
From a macroeconomic perspective, China's manufacturing PMI remained stable at 51.4% in November, signaling sustained economic growth. The HSBC China Manufacturing PMI finalized at 50.8%, with the new orders index reaching a high of 51.7%. Additionally, the non-manufacturing business activity index stood at 56%, showing continued stability in the service sector. The logistics industry's LPI fell slightly to 53%, still above the 50% threshold, indicating ongoing growth despite a slowdown.
In the steel industry, the PMI for November was 47.7%, showing a modest recovery. Demand improved, and market activity increased. Downstream sectors, such as heavy truck sales, saw significant growth, with November sales rising 29% year-on-year to 63,000 units. This reflects strong industrial demand and positive momentum in the steel market.
Overall, the steel market remains in a phase of adjustment, with fluctuating prices and mixed demand signals. While macroeconomic indicators suggest stability, seasonal factors and supply-side adjustments continue to influence market dynamics.