[Vietnam] ASEAN hot-rolled coil (HRC) import offers ticked down to 535 USD/tonne CFR this week, with overall regional trading activity remaining deeply subdued in the thick of the seasonal doldrums. Facing an intersection of weak end-user demand and competitive import alternatives, local producers in Vietnam have been forced to lower their quotes to stimulate sales. However, as the substantial price reductions by the two major domestic mills last week were widely anticipated and import offers from international traders continue to hold a price advantage, local buyers showed little urgency to restock and largely maintain a strict wait-and-see stance. Notably, only isolated Indian HRC deals were reported closed at 525 USD/tonne CFR recently. Overall, given the reality of high regional inventory levels and sluggish downstream consumption, flat steel prices in Vietnam and neighboring nations will continue to face near-term headwinds.

[SMM Analysis] Indonesia's May Sulphur and Sulphuric Acid Import and Export Data

In May 2026, Indonesia's monthly total sulphur imports stood at 277,834.30 mt in physical content, up 3.9% MoM and down 55.80% YoY, with the main importing countries being China, Vietnam, the UK, India, Singapore, Spain, Turkmenistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Japan; Indonesia's monthly total sulphur exports reached 24.08 mt in physical content, with the main export destinations being Germany, Hong Kong, China and the US; Indonesia's monthly total sulphuric acid imports amounted to 55,296.994 mt in physical content, down 68.1% MoM and up 236.6% YoY, mainly from China, India and South Korea; Indonesia's monthly total sulphuric acid exports were 0.

In H1 2026, China's enamelled wire industry overall exhibited a phased pattern of 'post-holiday rebound and surge, followed by a steady pullback in Q2,' with its operational characteristics heavily focused on structural differentiation.

Vietnamese steelmaker Hoa Phat is supplying thousands of tonnes of prestressed steel strands to major infrastructure projects across Vietnam, helping replace imports and support construction schedules. Hoa Phat is the only Vietnamese manufacturer producing PC strands with a fully integrated process using Italian technology, from billet to finished product, ensuring consistent quality, stable supply, and compliance with stringent technical standards. The strands have been supplied to multiple major bridge projects nationwide. Hoa Phat said domestic production supports Vietnam's infrastructure development while reducing reliance on imported materials.

[Vietnam] ASEAN hot-rolled coil (HRC) import offers ticked down to 535 USD/tonne CFR this week, with overall regional trading activity remaining deeply subdued in the thick of the seasonal doldrums. Facing an intersection of weak end-user demand and competitive import alternatives, local producers in Vietnam have been forced to lower their quotes to stimulate sales. However, as the substantial price reductions by the two major domestic mills last week were widely anticipated and import offers from international traders continue to hold a price advantage, local buyers showed little urgency to restock and largely maintain a strict wait-and-see stance. Notably, only isolated Indian HRC deals were reported closed at 525 USD/tonne CFR recently. Overall, given the reality of high regional inventory levels and sluggish downstream consumption, flat steel prices in Vietnam and neighboring nations will continue to face near-term headwinds.