Weekly Survey of Rolling Lines in Central China: Divergence in Rolling Line Production Pace and Collective Inventory Buildup
- Jan 21, 2026, at 11:25 am
- SMM
During the survey period (January 13–January 19), the operating rate and capacity utilization rate of rebar rolling lines in steel mills in the Central China region increased slightly; the operating rate of wire rod rolling lines remained stable, while the capacity utilization rate declined modestly.
During the survey period (January 13–January 19), both the operating rate and capacity utilization rate of rebar rolling lines in the Central China region saw a slight increase.
Specifically, production conditions varied slightly across regions this week: production in Henan remained stable; in Hunan, one steel mill suspended one rebar rolling line due to insufficient coal gas supply; meanwhile, in Hubei, some steel mills resumed production of two rebar rolling lines as planned. The increase from production resumptions outweighed the decrease from maintenance, resulting in a net increase in rebar supply. In terms of mill inventory, futures remained in the doldrums during the survey period, market trading activity was subdued, and rigid demand purchases declined over the weekend due to cooling temperatures, leading to a slight inventory buildup in the region.
Rebar production in the Central China region is expected to increase in the next period, mainly because rolling lines in Hubei and Hunan are still undergoing maintenance in the current period, while operating days in the next period will be higher, driving a continued rise in the capacity utilization rate.
