For the Quarter Ending June 2026
Chequered Plate Prices in APAC
- In China, the Chequered Plate Price Index was assessed at USD 644/MT FOB China during Q2 2026, reflecting balanced steel supply and steady construction demand.
- Production costs for Chequered Plate remained elevated in Q2 2026, driven by a 4.1% PPI increase in June 2026.
- Manufacturing demand for Chequered Plate expanded in June 2026, supported by a 5.3% industrial production rise.
- Weak consumer demand, with 1.0% CPI and retail sales growth in June 2026, dampened Chequered Plate demand.
- Finished steel inventories were significantly higher year-on-year by June 30, 2026, despite stable May levels.
- Crude steel production decreased in the first half of 2026, impacting Chequered Plate supply.
- China's substantial steel exports continued throughout Q2 2026, influencing domestic supply.
- Construction activity improved slightly in June 2026, but residential building starts weakened in Q2 2026.
- High-tech manufacturing sectors demonstrated resilient growth throughout Q2 2026, aiding specific Chequered Plate demand.
Why did the price of Chequered Plate change in June 2026 in APAC?
- Rising input costs, with a 4.1% PPI increase in June 2026, exerted upward price pressure.
- Weak consumer spending, with 1.0% CPI and retail sales growth in June 2026, limited demand.
- Elevated finished steel inventories by June 2026, despite decreased crude steel output, created downward pressure.
Chequered Plate Prices in North America
- In the United States, Chequered Plate Price Index rose in Q2 2026, influenced by elevated producer costs.
- Chequered Plate production costs increased in Q2 2026, with PPI rising 5.5% year-over-year in June 2026.
- Demand for Chequered Plate was supported by 0.7% industrial production growth year-over-year in June 2026.
- Retail sales, up 6.9% year-over-year in May 2026, bolstered Chequered Plate demand in Q2 2026.
- A 4.2% unemployment rate and moderate consumer confidence (91.2) in June 2026 supported demand.
- Henry Hub natural gas spot prices experienced moderate downward pressure in Q2 2026 due to record US production.
- Section 232 tariffs maintained a price umbrella, limiting foreign competition for steel products during Q2 2026.
- US domestic raw steel production and capability utilization rates strengthened year-over-year throughout Q2 2026.
Why did the price of Chequered Plate change in June 2026 in North America?
- Producer Price Index rose 5.5% in June 2026, increasing Chequered Plate production costs.
- Section 232 tariffs limited foreign competition, supporting domestic Chequered Plate prices in Q2 2026.
- Industrial production grew 0.7% year-over-year in June 2026, indicating sustained demand for Chequered Plate.
Chequered Plate Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the Chequered Plate Price Index fell quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2026, driven by contracting industrial demand.
- Chequered Plate production costs increased in May 2026 as producer prices of industrial products rose by 2.2% year-on-year.
- Demand for Chequered Plate declined in Q2 2026 due to a contracting Manufacturing Index in June 2026.
- Industrial production in Germany remained unchanged (0.0%) in May 2026, indicating stagnant demand.
- Construction activity contracted sharply in April 2026, easing by June, significantly impacting Chequered Plate demand.
- Elevated energy costs and general inflation (CPI rose 2.3% in June 2026) contributed to Chequered Plate production costs.
- Rising imports and increased global iron ore port inventories in Q2 2026 exerted downward pressure on Chequered Plate prices.
- Negative consumer confidence in June 2026 indirectly dampened economic activity and Chequered Plate demand.
- The unemployment rate remained stable at 3.8% in May 2026, supporting consumer purchasing power.
Why did the price of Chequered Plate change in June 2026 in Europe?
- Industrial confidence contracted in June 2026, reducing demand for Chequered Plate.
- Producer prices rose by 2.2% in May 2026, increasing Chequered Plate manufacturing costs.
- Rising imports and increased iron ore inventories in Q2 2026 pressured Chequered Plate prices.
For the Quarter Ending March 2026
Chequered Plate Prices in North America
- In United States, the Chequered Plate Price Index rose quarter-over-quarter in Q1 2026, driven by elevated input costs.
- The Chequered Plate Production Cost Trend increased as the Producer Price Index rose 4.0% in March 2026.
- The Chequered Plate Price Index climbed alongside a 3.3% Consumer Price Index increase during March 2026.
- The Chequered Plate Demand Outlook remained supported by a 0.7% Industrial Production growth in March 2026.
- Retail sales grew 4.0% in March 2026, sustaining Chequered Plate demand for commercial vehicles and trailers.
- The Manufacturing Index expanded in March 2026, driving industrial facility investments and Chequered Plate consumption upward.
- Iron ore feedstock costs surged in March 2026, directly elevating the Chequered Plate Price Forecast trajectory.
- Total construction spending weakened in January 2026, slightly dampening the broader Chequered Plate Demand Outlook.
- Steel import volumes declined throughout Q1 2026, tightening domestic mill availability for Chequered Plate buyers.
Why did the price of Chequered Plate change in March 2026 in North America?
- Iron ore feedstock costs surged during March 2026, which directly pushed overall manufacturing expenses upward.
- Steel import volumes declined throughout Q1 2026, tightening domestic availability and supporting higher market prices.
- The Producer Price Index rose 4.0% in March 2026, reflecting elevated intermediate metal input costs.
Chequered Plate Prices in APAC
- In China, the Chequered Plate Price Index rose quarter-over-quarter in Q1 2026, reflecting higher raw material costs.
- The Chequered Plate Production Cost Trend rose in March 2026 as the PPI grew by 0.5%.
- A CPI increase of 1.0% and 1.7% retail sales growth in March 2026 indicated subdued Chequered Plate demand.
- Industrial production grew 5.7% in March 2026, stimulating Chequered Plate usage in heavy manufacturing and infrastructure.
- Unemployment reached 5.4% in March 2026, reducing commercial construction Chequered Plate consumption amid sluggish sector activity.
- Consumer confidence hit 91.6 in February 2026, while the Manufacturing Index expanded in March 2026.
- The Chequered Plate Demand Outlook faced pressure as domestic steel inventories remained elevated throughout Q1 2026.
- The Chequered Plate Price Forecast factored in strengthened global energy and coking coal prices in March 2026.
Why did the price of Chequered Plate change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Raw material costs for Chequered Plate, including iron ore, strengthened significantly during March 2026.
- Steel enterprises curtailed daily output in March 2026, tightening the supply of base materials.
- Semi-finished steel exports surged to a record high in March 2026, diverting domestic supply.
Chequered Plate Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the Chequered Plate Price Index fell quarter-over-quarter in Q1 2026, primarily driven by restrained construction demand.
- During March 2026, consumer inflation hit 2.7%, while producer prices declined by 0.2%, easing upstream factory material costs.
- The Manufacturing Index expanded in March 2026, but overall industrial production remained stagnant at 0.0% in February 2026.
- Retail sales grew by 0.7% and unemployment held steady at 4.2% in February 2026, supporting stable logistics demand.
- Consumer confidence dropped sharply to -24.7 in March 2026, aligning with subdued automotive assembly procurement in Q1 2026.
- The Chequered Plate Demand Outlook remained pessimistic as both mechanical engineering and construction sectors underperformed in Q1 2026.
- The Chequered Plate Production Cost Trend stabilized, although maritime supply disruptions escalated landed procurement costs in March 2026.
- The Chequered Plate Price Forecast turned negative as rising import volumes intensified competitive pressure on producers in Q1 2026.
Why did the price of Chequered Plate change in March 2026 in Europe?
- Competitive import availability from European and Asian origins limited domestic pricing power in Q1 2026.
- Automotive and mechanical engineering sector demand underperformed, significantly reducing overall consumption levels throughout Q1 2026.
- Service centers prioritized drawing down accumulated inventories rather than initiating new purchases in Q1 2026.
For the Quarter Ending December 2025
Chequered Plate Prices in North America
- In United States, the Chequered Plate Price Index rose quarter-over-quarter in Q4 2025, driven by increasing production costs.
- Chequered Plate production costs increased in Q4 2025, influenced by a 3.0% year-over-year PPI rise in November 2025.
- Industrial electricity prices experienced an upward trend in October 2025, elevating Chequered Plate manufacturing expenses.
- General inflation, indicated by a 2.7% year-over-year CPI increase in December 2025, raised raw material and labor costs.
- Chequered Plate demand was supported by a 2.0% year-over-year increase in industrial production in December 2025.
- Overall industrial production grew in Q4 2025, boosting demand for Chequered Plate in various industrial applications.
- Manufacturing output declined in Q4 2025, impacting Chequered Plate demand within the manufacturing sector.
- Retail sales increased by 3.3% year-over-year in November 2025, indirectly stimulating Chequered Plate demand in commercial construction.
- Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum were re-upped in 2025, impacting Chequered Plate trade flows in Q4 2025.
Why did the price of Chequered Plate change in December 2025 in North America?
- Rising input costs, with 3.0% PPI increase in November 2025, elevated prices.
- Industrial electricity prices trended upward in October 2025, increasing production expenses.
- Strengthened industrial production in December 2025 supported demand, influencing prices.
Chequered Plate Prices in APAC
- In China, Chequered Plate Price Index fell in Q4 2025, due to a -1.9% year-on-year Producer Price Index in December 2025.
- Production costs were influenced by coking coal prices stabilizing in October 2025, despite producer prices declining year-on-year.
- Demand was supported by 5.2% year-on-year industrial production and an expanding Manufacturing Index in December 2025.
- Weak consumer demand, indicated by a 0.8% year-on-year CPI in December 2025, indirectly impacted Chequered Plate.
- Construction sector steel demand fell in October 2025, creating downward pressure on Chequered Plate prices.
- Automotive production and sales reached new highs in 2025, providing a strong demand driver for Chequered Plate.
- Steel exports increased month-on-month in November 2025, while imports decreased, influencing domestic supply.
- The Chequered Plate price forecast suggests continued pressure from weak producer prices, despite robust industrial output.
Why did the price of Chequered Plate change in December 2025 in APAC?
- Producer Price Index declined 1.9% year-on-year in December 2025, signaling deflationary pressure.
- Construction sector steel demand fell in October 2025, reducing overall market demand.
- Weak retail sales, up 0.9% year-on-year in December 2025, suggested subdued consumer investment.
Chequered Plate Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the Chequered Plate Price Index fell in Q4 2025, influenced by -2.5% producer price deflation in December 2025.
- Production costs for Chequered Plate rose in late 2025 due to surging German power and coking coal recovery in December 2025.
- German steel demand for Chequered Plate remained subdued in October 2025, lagging other industrialized countries in 2025.
- The Manufacturing Index was contracting in December 2025, signaling reduced industrial activity and lower Chequered Plate demand.
- Despite 0.8% industrial production growth in October 2025 and 1.1% retail sales in November 2025, demand remained weak.
- Pessimistic consumer confidence at -17.5 in December 2025, coupled with 6.2% unemployment, dampened Chequered Plate demand.
- Chequered Plate demand outlook was mixed; Construction Manufacturing Index expanded and civil engineering surged in December 2025.
- Import pressure from global overcapacity continued to impact the EU steel market throughout 2025, alongside 1.8% CPI.
Why did the price of Chequered Plate change in December 2025 in Europe?
- Producer price deflation of -2.5% in December 2025 pressured Chequered Plate prices.
- Subdued German steel demand in October 2025 and a contracting Manufacturing Index reduced consumption.
- Increased import pressure from global overcapacity contributed to competitive pricing.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
Chequered Plate Prices in North America
- In USA, the Chequered Plate Price Index rose by 10.284% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting stronger construction demand.
- The average Chequered Plate price for the quarter was approximately USD 5279.67/MT amid seasonal restocking activity.
- Export slowdowns contrasted with domestic restarts, limiting upside for the Chequered Plate Spot Price regionally.
- Scheduled mill maintenance supported tighter supplies, informing the Chequered Plate Price Forecast for the quarter.
- Rising scrap and energy costs elevated the Chequered Plate Production Cost Trend, reducing industry margins.
- Improved public infrastructure spending brightened the Chequered Plate Demand Outlook, increasing procurement from service centers.
- Higher inland freight rates and logistical constraints sustained the Chequered Plate Price Index regionally modestly.
- Several large fabricators increased procurement, improving order visibility and reducing inventories at service centers regionally.
Why did the price of Chequered Plate change in September 2025 in North America?
- Stronger construction and fabrication activity increased immediate demand, tightening near-term availability and supporting higher prices.
- Scheduled mill maintenance tightened supply, limiting spot offers and prompting higher regional bid levels consistently.
- Rising scrap and energy costs increased production expenses, prompting mills to pass through higher prices.
Chequered Plate Prices in APAC
- In China, the Chequered Plate Price Index rose by 3.05% quarter-over-quarter, in Q3 2025, tight supply.
- The average Chequered Plate price for the quarter was approximately USD 2026.00/MT, reflecting stable domestic transactions.
- Chequered Plate Spot Price strengthened on reduced mill runs and improved regional orders, supporting price stability.
- Chequered Plate Price Forecast indicates upside risk as export demand recovers and mill utilisation rates improve.
- Chequered Plate Production Cost Trend remains pressured by higher energy and scrap costs, compressing mill margins.
- Chequered Plate Demand Outlook supported by infrastructure and construction seasonality, though residential project delays temper consumption.
- Chequered Plate Price Index shows gradual firming as export enquiries strengthen and domestic inventory drawdowns continue.
- Domestic inventories tightened at major ports while downstream mill restarts and export margins supported shipment volumes.
Why did the price of Chequered Plate change in September 2025 in APAC?
- Mills maintenance reduced available supply while construction demand seasonally increased, tightening market balance and lifting prices.
- Higher scrap and energy costs increased production expenses, exerting upward pressure on mill offers and margins.
- Improved shipping availability and competitive export margins encouraged shipments, reducing domestic surplus and supporting price recovery.
Chequered Plate Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the Chequered Plate Price Index rose by 0.84% quarter-over-quarter, underpinned by firmer domestic steel demand.
- The average Chequered Plate price for the quarter was approximately USD 3730/MT, supporting steady mill margins.
- Chequered Plate Spot Price firmed as mill delivery schedules tightened, supporting the regional Price Index.
- Chequered Plate Price Forecast indicates limited upside near term amid domestic demand and export competition.
- Chequered Plate Production Cost Trend pressured by elevated stainless scrap and energy costs across mills.
- Chequered Plate Demand Outlook remains constructive for construction and repair segments, supporting near-term order flow.
- Chequered Plate Price Index benefited from reduced export cancellations and steadier domestic procurement schedules recently.
- Chequered Plate inventories tightened at service centers, constraining offers and informing the short-term Price Forecast.
Why did the price of Chequered Plate change in September 2025 in Europe?
- Supply tightness from scheduled mill maintenance reduced near-term availability, tightening local balances and firming offers.
- Elevated stainless scrap and higher energy costs increased production expenses, limiting downward pressure on prices.
- Improved construction procurement, export demand lifted orders despite longer port lead times and logistical friction.
