Macroeconomics

1. [US Core PCE Price Index] The US core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index rose 0.2% month-on-month in July, matching the forecast and up from the previous reading of 0.1%. Year-on-year, the US core PCE index rose 3.3%, in line with the forecast and the previous reading.

2. [South Korea Interest Rates] The Bank of Korea raised its benchmark interest rate from 2.75% to 3.00%, marking a rate hike for the second consecutive meeting, in line with market expectations.

Steel

1. [Silicomanganese] According to incomplete statistics, seven silicomanganese plants in other northern regions were in operation during August with 12 furnaces running; this represents a decrease of one plant and one furnace compared to the end of July. Plants that had suspended operations are expected to resume production around mid-September. These figures are for reference only; actual plant operations prevail.

2. [Galvanized Sheet] On August 26, 2026, the total sales volume across 154 surveyed galvanized steel enterprises nationwide was 17,544 tonnes, a decrease of 690 tonnes (3.78%) from the previous trading day. The region recording the largest decline was South China, where sales fell by 230 tonnes (9.47%) compared to the previous trading day.

3. [Steel Products] From August 18 to 24, China's total steel product export shipments amounted to 2.3641 million tonnes, an increase of 228,000 tonnes (10.7%) week-on-week.

SunSirs has been continuously tracking price data for over 200 commodities for nearly 20 years, please contact support@sunsirs.com for subscription.