Daily Market Report

Markets reported no price changes in HRC and CRC compared to the previous day in a few geographical locations. India’s HRC demand is expected to remain strong in the medium term, but short-term consumption is limited due to cautious buyer sentiment.

Bitumen markets remain subdued across Asia and India, with prices stagnant amid weak demand and monsoon disruptions. East Asia and China face further pressure from weather and sluggish consumption, while Europe stabilizes. Iran stays fragile under sanctions and currency depreciation. Demand recovery in India is unlikely before post-monsoon construction activity.

Domestic MDC prices dropped ₹1–2/kg due to weak pharma demand, while volatile methanol feedstock costs, driven by oversupply in China and U.S. sanctions on Iran, added uncertainty. Global crude softness further weighed on sentiment. With steady production but sluggish consumption, MDC prices are expected to stay mixed in the near term.

ADC12 aluminum alloy prices held steady near RMB 20,800–21,000/t as pre-holiday buying faded and inventories rose sharply. Scrap supply remains tight, supporting costs, while extended downstream holidays and weak die-casting demand limit consumption. Import losses widen, and silicon metal supply growth adds pressure, keeping near-term prices largely range-bound.

Indian PET prices steadied at ₹88/kg by late September, while China PET bottle chip prices rebounded slightly to 5,900 RMB/ton after early-month weakness. Oversupply and weak downstream demand keep market activity muted. Falling crude oil and PTA costs weigh on margins, limiting the scope for a sustained price recovery.

Asian and Middle Eastern bitumen prices remain soft as oversupply and monsoon-driven demand weakness weigh on the market. Limited tenders from Indonesia and selective Indian buying offer brief support, but high inventories and wet weather across key regions keep prices rangebound despite upcoming refinery maintenance and modest post-monsoon project expectations.

Ductile Iron (DI) and Mild Steel (MS/ERW) pipe prices remain steady, with DI up to 150 mm at ₹67/kg and MS primary at ₹57–58/kg. October demand is projected 8–15% above September levels as delayed projects resume. Supply is adequate but specialty ERW grades and large diameters may face localized tightness.

TMT steel prices remain stable across regions, with Ex-Mumbai at ₹46,500–47,000/ton, Ex-Delhi NCR at ₹47,000–47,500/ton, and Ex-Vizag at ₹44,000–44,500/ton. Weak seasonal demand keeps sellers cautious, while distributors maintain steady inventories. Shree TMT earns a 5-Star Green Steel Certificate, reinforcing sustainability leadership despite subdued market activity.

Polypropylene (PP) prices in India remained flat at the end of September despite seasonal demand pickup. Abundant supply, steady-to-soft upstream costs, and cautious downstream buying continue to weigh on the market. While certain grades see stable retail prices, the overall market remains under pressure with limited bullish triggers.

The stainless steel trade shows mixed signals. Nickel hovers at $15,325/t and copper at $9,964/t, while 304 CR wider 2B retails near ₹200–205/kg. Domestic demand is soft in the 300 series but stronger in the 200 and 400 series. Global tariffs are prompting order delays, and EU import-control measures may tighten in October.

Zinc futures traded range-bound on 24 Sep. LME prices closed at $2,889.4/mt after touching $2,904.5/mt, while MCX October futures eased 0.05% to ₹281.70/kg on subdued demand. Mixed global sentiment, steady LME stocks near 50,525 t, and supply-risk monitoring kept the market cautious.

Indian methanol prices held firm near ₹31/kg despite a festive lull, driven by strong formaldehyde demand and curtailed Iranian imports. Chinese CFR prices softened on oversupply, but Indian buyers continue active procurement. Futures show near-term tightness, while crude and gas trends add to overall market caution.