SMM January 19 News,
On January 19, the average price of SMM 10-12% high-grade NPI was 1,027.5 yuan/mtu (ex-factory, tax included), up 10 yuan/mtu MoM from the previous working day. The market sentiment factor for high-grade NPI was 2.18, up 0.09 MoM; the upstream sentiment factor for high-grade NPI was 2.67, up 0.14 MoM; and the downstream sentiment factor for high-grade NPI was 1.7, up 0.06 MoM. Supply side, upstream offers remained at 1,050-1,100 yuan/mtu, with some iron plants still relatively firm. Demand side, most downstream steel mills purchased cautiously, with a few intended prices still maintained at 1,020-1,030 yuan/mtu delivered. Overall, high-grade NPI prices remained relatively firm, with upstream and downstream prices still in a tug-of-war.
