Steel Price in the Market on December 15, 2025

Rebar: On December 15, the average price of 20mm Grade III seismic rebar in 31 major cities across China was 3,289 yuan per ton, remaining unchanged from the previous trading day. The market fundamentals show little change, but demand has declined significantly year-on-year. During the off-season, the market relies on reduced production by steel mills to maintain inventory drawdown. Currently, the fundamental drivers remain downward, with weak momentum for price increases.

Hot-rolled coils: On December 15, the average price of 4.75mm hot-rolled coils in 24 major cities across China was 3,283 yuan per ton, down 1 yuan per ton from the previous trading day. In terms of demand, the recent nationwide cold wave has led to a significant drop in temperatures, further restricting outdoor construction activities. Some areas in northern China have essentially entered a shutdown phase. Meanwhile, with the limited number of new projects initiated this year and the continued decline in demand next year, winter inventory levels are expected to remain low. The probability of a shift from decreasing to increasing winter storage in the future will also be limited.

Cold-rolled coil: On December 15, the average price of 1.0mm cold-rolled coils in 24 major cities across China was 3,881 yuan per ton, down 2 yuan per ton from the previous trading day. According to trader feedback, based on the latest settlement prices issued by local steel mills in the southwestern region, the adjustment in settlement prices was less satisfactory compared to the decline in market cold-rolled spot prices.

Thick Plate: On December 15, the average price of 20mm common plate in 24 major cities across China was 3,394 yuan/ton, down 3 yuan/ton from the previous trading day. In East China, resources saw a quiet decline on the 15th, with limited inventory and relatively stable sales of low-alloy plates, as prices remained largely steady with a wait-and-see approach. In South China, although sales were sluggish, inventory pressure was not significant. Resource distribution was uneven, with Datonghai having abundant resources, while some specific grades were sold at lower prices, and other resources were scarce.