WEEKLY: China's HRC export prices rise as new year begins

Chinese export prices for commercial-grade hot-rolled coils (HRC) ticked up during December 27-January 4 as low-priced cargoes decreased amid rising market focus on export compliance stakes at the start of 2026, while overseas buying activity remained subdued due to Christmas and New Year holidays, Mysteel's weekly market roundup shows.

On January 4, Mysteel assessed the export price of SS400 3mm HRC at North China's Tianjin port higher by Yuan 10/t on week at $455/t FOB. As the export licensing system covering most steel products including HRC that China introduced last month officially went into effect on January 1 2026, non-VAT-inclusive cargo