The domestic market for color coated steel coils continued to move cautiously, with prices staying mostly stable despite weak market momentum. Trading activity remained slow as buyers across the steel procurement sector preferred to purchase only based on immediate project requirements.

Pressure from falling hot-rolled steel substrate prices reduced cost support for manufacturers, which also affected sentiment in the overall coated steel and steel procurement market. Demand recovery from downstream industries remained weaker than expected, leading many end-users to follow a strict “buy only when needed” approach.

To manage inventory levels, several traders slowed down dispatches while some sellers introduced small discounts to encourage deals. Market participants largely stayed in wait-and-watch mode, causing noticeable price differences across popular product specifications.

On May 18, color coated steel coil prices were recorded at around 6,500 RMB per ton, and by May 22, prices remained unchanged at 6,500 RMB per ton. Compared to two weeks earlier, prices showed a 1.56% increase, while on a yearly basis they were down by around 2%, reflecting the cautious mood in the steel procurement and coated steel industry.