Steel Price in the Market on March 16, 2026

Threaded steel: On March 16th, the average price of 20mm Grade III seismic resistant threaded steel in 31 major cities across the country was 3338 yuan/ton, a decrease of 1 yuan/ton from the previous trading day. The current steel market continues the pattern of increasing supply and demand, and strong cost support. Cost side support is still present, but demand recovery is weak, inventory pressure continues, coupled with weak futures, making it difficult for the market to have a one-sided trend.

Hot rolled coils: On March 16th, the average price of 4.75mm hot rolled coils in 24 major cities across the country was 3307 yuan/ton, unchanged from the previous trading day. The cost supports the price of hot coils, but the high inventory of sheet materials creates some pressure. From the supply side, in the short term, due to policy influences, steel mills are gradually resuming production, and supply is being released.

Cold rolled coils: On March 16th, the average price of 1.0mm cold coils in 24 major cities across the country was 3804 yuan/ton, an increase of 3 yuan/ton from the previous trading day. According to traders in southern China, the recent strengthening of futures has boosted market sentiment. Traders have moderately increased their quotes while ensuring shipments, and the trading situation has been good recently. In terms of inventory, although the total amount continues to increase, the growth rate has slowed down, indicating that demand is gradually recovering, and the pressure on traders' inventory has eased, driving prices to rebound slightly. We still need to pay attention to macroeconomic policy trends in the future.

Medium thick plate: On March 16th, the average price of 20mm ordinary plate in 24 major cities across the country was 3390 yuan/ton, unchanged from the previous trading day. At present, medium plate factories mainly produce steel varieties and lock price resources, and the delivery of market circulating materials is not fast. This week, it is expected that one steel mill will resume production and the operating rate will slightly increase.