Electrical Utilities

China’s PVC spot market saw minimal weekly movement, with early gains erased by week’s end. Prices remain range-bound as supply stays stable and demand weakens. Soft dealer offers, low inquiries, and volatile crude oil cap upside potential. Short-term outlook suggests continued narrow fluctuations without strong upward momentum.

Nickel and copper prices remain stable, while stainless steel retail prices show mixed trends across grades. Demand is strong in the 200 and 400 series, with slight weakness in the 300 series. The industry is pushing for anti-dumping duties on cheap imports, as prices are expected to remain steady to firm across segments.

Zinc prices saw small gains across LME, SHFE, and MCX, though fundamentals remain bearish with ILZSG projecting a 2025 surplus. LME stocks fell sharply by 3,450 t, hinting at short-term tightness. Delays at Russia’s Ozernoye mine could limit concentrate supply, but oversupply concerns keep upside potential restrained.

PVC prices in India remain stable to slightly weak on muted downstream demand, while China sees firm prices supported by exports and futures sentiment. High plant operating rates are boosting supply in China, though sluggish domestic consumption limits upside. Global sentiment leans cautiously optimistic for August.

PE prices remained largely stable in July, with minor declines across LLDPE, LDPE, and HDPE. Demand stayed weak due to off-season consumption and cautious procurement. Supply increased as plants resumed operations. While sentiment improved slightly on policy support, strong price gains remain unlikely without a demand recovery.

Flat steel prices remained stable across key cities. While local trade activity picked up slightly, overall sentiment remains weak due to excess imports and tepid industrial demand. Government support and upcoming policy shifts may stabilize the market, but caution persists. Buyers are mostly purchasing only on a need basis.

Secondary structural steel prices increased by ₹300–₹600/MT due to tight supply, active fabrication demand, and logistical constraints. The primary market remains stable with selective buying. Mills are ramping up utilization, while localized shortages are emerging in key sections. Buyers should consider near-term bookings amid improving site activity and potential post-monsoon recovery.

Zinc prices showed mixed trends across LME, SHFE, and MCX. LME stocks continued to fall, signaling tighter supply, but weak demand—especially in construction—keeps overall sentiment bearish. SHFE zinc gained slightly on supply expectations. MCX futures dipped below previous close, reflecting domestic pressure and a cautious global outlook.

PP prices remain under pressure amid weak demand and abundant supply. Domestic rates vary across India, with MRPL's lamination grade reaching ₹1,00,000/MT. China’s PP prices dropped 2.06% since early July. Limited cost support and upcoming capacity additions in H2 2025 are likely to keep the market rangebound and volatile.