Chinese HRC and rebar prices declined because of weak spot demand and falling futures, with purchases largely limited to immediate requirements. Eastern China rebar dropped by 20 yuan to 3,100-3,130 yuan per tonne, while Tangshan billet fell by 10 yuan to 3,040 yuan. Coke producers proposed another increase of 100-110 yuan per tonne, which would bring cumulative rises since late July to 350-385 yuan. Higher production costs are limiting the downside, but smaller mills may reduce output if finished-steel demand does not improve.
