JFE Steel to Offer Hot Coil at FOB US$ 550/t for South Korean Rerollers

JFE Steel decided to increase the export offer of hot rolled coil to FOB US$ 550 per tonne for July-September, which is US$ 30 higher than April-June, to South Korean rerollers including Hyundai Hysco. The firm will notice the offer to the buyers in the week. JFE Steel seeks higher price when Nippon Steel and other integrated steels have half year contracts through September. JFE Steel expects slab and hot coil supply will keep tight worldwide. JFE Steel’s hot coil export prices to South Korean rerollers are still lower level for the tight supply. The firm decided the hike to keep stable supply when the firm has no additional capacity to meet higher demand for domestic manufacturers. South Korean rerollers seek higher hot coil volume for Japanese steel makers when they increase the output with expanded capacity. However, they could resist the hike in coming negotiation when they already keep the half year contacts with other Japanese steel makers.