Metals & Mining Theme, Ferrous

July 25, 2023

Platts proposes to revise China HRC assessment specifications

Platts, part of S&P Global Commodity Insights, is proposing to revise the specifications of some of its China HRC assessments, effective Sept. 18.

The proposal aims to better reflect current market conditions and to expand collection points of market data based on recent feedback gathered from the market.

Proposed changes include quality and/or dimensions specifications for HRC Ex-stock Shanghai, HRC FOB China SS400 and HRC FOB China SAE1006.

Platts is additionally proposing to widen the location basis for HRC FOB China SAE1006, from Tianjin ports currently to Tianjin, Jingtang, Caofeidian and Bayuquan ports, reflecting the bulk of SAE1006 data observed from northern China ports.

Details regarding the proposed changes can be found in the table below:

Affected Assessments Current Specification Proposed Specification
HRC Ex-stock Shanghai VAT-inclusive (Symbols: SB01260, SB01360)

Quality: Q235

Width: 1250 mm

Thickness: 5.5 mm

Quality: Q235B, based on latest GB/T 3274-2017 standards

Width: 1500 mm

Thickness: 5.75mm

HRC FOB China SS400 (Symbol: STHRZ02)

Quality: SS400 or equivalent GB/ T912 grade

Q235 in Chinese domestic market

Width:1200-1500 mm

Thickness: 3mm

Quality: SS400 or equivalent grade Q235B in Chinese domestic market

Width: 1200-1500mm

Thickness: 3mm

HRC FOB China SAE1006 (Symbol: STHSA00)

Quality: SAE1006

Width: 1200-1500 mm

Thickness: 2mm

Ports: Tianjin

Quality: SAE1006

Width: 1200-1300 mm

Thickness: 2mm

Ports: Tianjin, Jingtang, Caofeidian and Bayuquan

HRC FOB China SAE1006 Premium (Symbol: STHRY00)

Symbol Name: HRC FOB China SAE1006 Premium

Quality: SAE1006

Width: 1200-1500 mm

Thickness: 2mm

Ports: Tianjin

Symbol Name: HRC FOB China SAE1006-SS400 spread

Quality: SAE1006

Width: 1200-1300 mm

Thickness: 2mm

Ports: Tianjin, Jingtang, Caofeidian and Bayuquan

Full details about the methodology specifications of these assessments can be found here(opens in a new tab).

The assessments are published on fixed page PMA/STL1198 and PMA/STL1215 of the real-time Platts Steel Alert and Platts Metals Alert, in SBB Steel Markets Daily, in SBB Daily Briefing, in Steel Price Report daily, on Platts Dimensions Pro, in Platts Market Center and in the Platts price database.

Platts invites feedback and questions to PL_Asia_Steel@spglobal.com and pricegroup@spglobal.com by Aug. 8, 2023.

For written comments, please provide a clear indication if comments are not intended for publication by Platts for public viewing.

Platts will consider all comments received and will make comments not marked as confidential available upon request.