Chinese slab export offers for August shipment were reported at $490-500/t FOB, down by $10-15/t from previous levels. Chinese suppliers lowered offers amid seasonally weaker domestic demand and declining prices from competing regional exporters, reflecting subdued sentiment across Asian markets.
In Southeast Asia, Indonesian slab prices also softened. Dexin Steel was heard offering slab at around $510/t FOB for late-August shipment. Export volumes were reported to be low, as the producer continued to prioritize supply to its own hot-rolling operations. Weak international demand further limited export activity.
Japanese suppliers also reduced prices to remain competitive. Slab negotiations to Thailand were reported at $520-530/t CFR, although some market participants suggested workable levels could be closer to $500/t CFR. The decline reflects broader weakness across Asian slab markets as buyers remained cautious.
In contrast, the European slab market continued to strengthen. Asian slab offers to Italy were reported at $600/t CFR and above, partly due to additional costs associated with the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Higher slab prices supported downstream plate prices, while expectations of tighter import supply and stronger trade protection measures reinforced a positive market outlook.
Brazilian slab prices were reported at around $597/t FOB Brazilian ports. Russian sanctioned slab was heard at $510-520/t FOB Black Sea.
Overall, Asian slab prices continued to face downward pressure due to weak demand and competitive supply, while the European market was supported by higher import costs and tightening trade measures.
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