Steel Prices on August 18, 2026 in the Market

Threaded steel: On August 17th, the average price of 20mm Grade III seismic resistant threaded steel in 31 major cities across the country was 3219 yuan/ton, a decrease of 4 yuan/ton from the previous trading day. Recently, with the improvement of weather conditions and the gradual improvement of downstream construction conditions, the expectation of marginal demand recovery has been strengthened. In terms of raw materials, coke enterprises are facing a situation of high raw material costs and intensified losses. Some enterprises have voluntarily limited production, resulting in a contraction of coke supply and providing certain support for the prices of the industrial chain.

Hot rolled coils: On August 17th, the average price of 4.75mm hot rolled coils in 24 major cities across the country was 3281 yuan/ton, an increase of 7 yuan/ton from the previous trading day. Due to the recent increase in raw material costs, the overall market pressure has risen, with strong cost support and continuous profit compression. Some steel companies have passively reduced production and increased output, but the overall supply volume has not changed significantly. In terms of demand, the overall market demand still maintains the off-season effect, and the demand performance is relatively average. Market transactions are still mainly based on on-demand procurement, and the enthusiasm for stocking up in advance is relatively poor.

Cold rolled coils: On August 17th, the average price of 1.0mm cold coils in 24 major cities across the country was 3775 yuan/ton, an increase of 1 yuan/ton from the previous trading day. Traders have provided feedback that the impact of the current high temperature and off-season is still ongoing, and downstream terminal demand has not shown significant improvement overall. Purchasing is still mainly based on small orders for essential needs, and overall market transactions have only slightly rebounded. Most merchants have not seen a significant increase in shipment volume. In terms of mentality, traders are still cautious about the subsequent performance of the demand side, and have not blindly hoarded goods and increased prices. In terms of operation, they still focus on stable price shipments.

Medium thick plate: On August 17th, the average price of 20mm ordinary plate in 24 major cities across the country was 3498 yuan/ton, an increase of 2 yuan/ton from the previous trading day. On the supply side, during the early maintenance week of the medium and thick plate rolling line, normal production gradually resumed, and the output and capacity utilization rate of medium and thick plates rebounded slightly, with an increase in market resource investment. However, due to the support of raw material costs and the decent order scheduling of steel mills, their willingness to raise prices is strong, and there is a lack of motivation to offer significant discounts for shipments. On the demand side, the traditional off-season has a significant constraining effect, with high temperatures continuing to suppress downstream industries such as construction machinery, pressure vessels, shipbuilding, steel structure processing, and outdoor infrastructure. The overall order volume of end enterprises is insufficient, and the market lacks centralized large-scale procurement support.