Black Sea merchant pig iron prices stabilized in December resisting the downtrend in international coking coal prices, which lost some 23% over the course of the month.
S&P Global Platts' weekly pig iron assessment stood at $300-$310/mt FOB Black Sea on Friday, implying a mid-point $305/mt, down $2.50/mt on the week and marginally down from the assessment at the beginning of the month.
Platts' last assessment remains below the asking prices targeted by CIS mills, reported to be at $310-$315/mt FOB Black Sea/Sea of Azov.
Two large producers said on Friday there was no more activity in the market ahead of the holiday season in the CIS region until January 10.
Still, a couple of traders reported recent bookings at $320/mt CIF New Orleans, which netted back to $300-$305/mt FOB Black Sea.
Further sales were heard to Italy at $320/mt CIF, also in the range of $300-$305/mt FOB Black Sea.
