China's hot-rolled coil prices picked up more strength on Friday January 18 on improved sentiment.
DomesticEastern China (Shanghai): 3,650-3,670 yuan ($539-542) per tonne, up 20-30 yuan per tonneNorthern China (Tianjin): 3,640-3,650 yuan per tonne, narrowing upward 50 yuan per tonneAlthough prices rose in Shanghai while those in Tianjin narrowed upward, a Hangzhou-based trader said these were largely due to an improved outlook for the market following the stability after the New Year, rather than an actual strengthening of downstream demand.A Shanghai-based trader said that trading activity was merely moderate during the day.While investors had been afraid of prices declining in the absence of any signs pointing...