The Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) in China's steel sector, an economic indicator for the industry, rose to 48.2 in November, according to the latest data released by the China Steel Logistics Professionals Committee (CSLPC).
The figure was 2.6 higher than the previous month and marked the end of three-month trend of hovering around 45, indicating a positive stabilization in the steel sector in a short term.
The index for production increased 4.6 month on month to 48 in November, ending the three-month sequential decline. The rebounded market demand, uptick of enterprises' production willingness and loosened production curb policies in heating season contributed to the slightly increase of steel production.
New order index witnessed a rise of 4.7 to 49.7 month on month in November, marking a three-month sequential increase. The demand of domestic steel market recovered compared to October supported by a package of measures including the issuance of 1 trillion yuan in special treasury bonds.
CSLPC expects steel demand to moderately contract in December with dropping temperature. Raw material prices are predicted to continue the decline, while steel prices are likely to retreat from high levels. And the steel production is expected to return to a downward trend.
(Writing by yan.sun Editing by Emma Yang)
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