Domestic prices for flat steel in Russia's Central Federal District around Moscow were broadly stable over the past week, supported by cautiously optimistic sentiment amid rising exports and expected shortages because of maintenance at key suppliers, sources told Fastmarkets on Monday March 1.
Hot-rolled sheet
Trading activity in the region was subdued amid seasonally slow demand. Market participants held generally positive outlooks for March and April on firm exports and expected shortages of April rolling material due to planned maintenances at flat-rolling mills at key domestic suppliers Novolipietsk Steel (NLMK) and Severtsal.
"NLMK is going to stop hot-rolling mill for a week or two in April, Severstal too. No details yet, but both producers implied that stoppages will take place in April and HR sheet offers for that period will be limited," one trader said.
Recent price increases in the export market might also have a positive effect on domestic prices, sources said.
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