SunSirs: Brief Overview of Color Coated Sheet Trends in August (August 1-29)

Price trend

According to the SunSirs commodity market analysis system, color coated sheet prices saw a slight increase this month. On August 1, the market price was 6,666 RMB/ton; on August 29, it was 6,715 RMB/ton. This month's average price of color coated sheet increased by 0.735% compared to the beginning of the month and by 10.08% compared to the same period last year.

Analysis review

Galvanized sheet prices initially rose before declining this month, with a slight increase before mid-month and a subsequent decline thereafter. On August 1st, the price of galvanized sheet was 4,297 RMB/ton, while on August 29th, it was 4,259 RMB/ton, a decrease of 0.884% from the beginning of the month and a 1.16% increase from the same period last year. Downstream demand in the coating and plating market remained tepid, resulting in weak market transactions.

Data from the General Administration of Customs shows that in June 2025, China's total exports of coated sheet (strip) totaled 1.6429 million tons, a month-on-month decrease of 6.11% and a year-on-year increase of 10.34%. From January to June 2025, China's total exports of coated sheet (strip) totaled 10.2624 million tons, a year-on-year increase of 12.23%. In June 2025, China's total imports of coated sheet (strip) totaled 77,000 tons, a month-on-month increase of 14.29% and a year-on-year decrease of 17.48%. From January to June 2025, China's total imports of coated sheet (strip) totaled 452,500 tons, a year-on-year decrease of 23.14%.

The national average price of color coated sheet and coil saw a slight increase this month, now averaging 6,700 RMB/ton. Market prices fluctuated by 50 RMB/ton this month, primarily driven by price increases at state-owned steel mills. Regarding raw materials, raw material prices in northern China fell by 70 RMB/ton month-on-month to between 3,330 and 3,360 RMB/ton. Despite this decline, settlement prices may have increased by 200 RMB/ton compared to the previous month, providing some support for prices. Steel mill capacity utilization rebounded slightly this month, supply continued to increase, and total inventory decreased. There was a divergence between social and factory inventories, with social inventories decreasing and factory inventories increasing slightly. Market feedback this month indicated weak demand, coupled with rainy weather in some markets, which impacted shipments and led to a decrease in overall transaction volume. July export data showed continued positive growth in color coated sheet strip exports, reaching 868,900 tons, a year-on-year increase of 46.91%. This surge in exports alleviated some pressure on domestic trade.

Market outlook

On the supply side, galvanized sheet and coil manufacturers averaged 893,500 tons per week in July, a year-on-year increase of 7,200 tons and slightly higher than the same period last year. As of August 29, inventory levels were at a two-year low, and overall market pressure was low. According to SunSirs’ research, market sentiment was temporarily cautious, with traders primarily focusing on clearing inventory. Regarding costs, the settlement price of galvanized sheet and coil at major steel mills in Shanghai in July was around 4,070 RMB/ton. Overall, driven by weak market demand, positive macroeconomic news, and futures market conditions, SunSirs expects galvanized sheet and coil prices to remain within a narrow range in the later period.

Regarding raw materials, while prices had fallen this month, settlements are likely to remain high, maintaining cost support. Looking at total inventory, color coated inventories decreased this month, but continued declines remained challenging. Exports remained strong, easing some pressure on domestic trade. Overall, while cost support for color coated remained, domestic consumption was weak, and supply remained high. It is expected that the price of color coated sheet and coil will mainly adjust weakly next month.

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