Cost Analysis
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Information Details
16
2026
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04
Monthly Market Analysis of Steel Structural Primary Materials – April 2026
In April, the steel market was underpinned by rising costs, divergent demand, and a volatile upward trend. Raw material prices remained elevated, prompting steelmakers to hold firm on prices; steel consumption in infrastructure and manufacturing stayed robust, resulting in an overall pattern of initial gains followed by stabilization, with prices trending higher within a range.
Core Conclusions for This Month
4 Monthly Steel Market Cost support, diverging demand, and a volatile upward trend Raw material prices remain at high levels, prompting steel mills to hold firm on pricing; steel demand from infrastructure and manufacturing remains steady, with the overall market showing… First up, then steady; upward movement within a range. 。
Monthly Average Price Overview (in yuan) / tons)
Category | Detailed specifications | Material | North China monthly average price | Month-over-month |
Board materials | Medium and thick plates 20mm | Q235B | 3345 | +55 |
| Hot-rolled coil 5.75mm | Q235B | 3310 | +45 |
H Structural steel | HN300×150 | Q235B | 3390 | +65 |
| HW400×400 | Q355B | 3510 | +70 |
Square and rectangular steel tubes | 200×100×5.0 | Q235B | 3455 | +40 |
| 150×150×5.0 | Q235B | 3435 | +40 |
Welded round pipe | Φ219×6.0 | Q235B | 3475 | +40 |
Seamless steel pipe | Φ108×4.5 | 20# | 4160 | +50 |
Monthly Market Analysis
- Cost side Iron ore, coking coal, and oil prices are all trading at elevated levels, providing strong cost-based support for steel prices.
- Supply side Steel mills are accelerating the resumption of production, but profitability remains modest, leaving limited incentive for a substantial expansion in output.
- Demand side Infrastructure, steel structures, and manufacturing demand remain robust, with end‑use demand primarily driven by essential needs.
- Varietal differentiation ： H Structural steel > Medium and thick plates > Square tube / Round pipe > Hot-rolled coil 。
Next Month Trend Assessment
- Overall maintenance Stronger-than-expected volatility, trading within a range. , with limited upside potential.
- Key areas of focus: raw material prices, steel mill policies, and downstream production utilization rates.
Business Recommendations
- Monthly Procurement Price lock on demand, replenishment in batches , don’t hoard items blindly.
- Project Quotation Based on cost-plus pricing 30 ~ 60 Yuan / ton , ensuring profitability.
- Enhance inventory turnover, with a focus on ensuring… H Structural steel, medium and thick plates Common specifications are kept in stock.
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