28 August 2018

GMS Market Commentary on Shipbreaking in Week 34 - SIGNS OF LIFE!


Signs of life finally started to emerge from the subcontinent markets this week as prices in both Bangladesh and India showed marked improvements and cutting permissions on a multitude of tankers beached in Pakistan are finally set to be issued this coming week. Indeed, local steel plate prices in India have bounced back nearly USD 30/LDT over the last10 days, making up for some of the dramatic declines (to the tune of about USD 50/LDT) witnessed over July and early August. Bangladesh too seems to have regained some of its appetite following an incredibly sluggish summer / monsoon period as many of the VLCCs and large LDT tankers delivered during the first half of the year have been / are in the process of being absorbed, with the likelihood that a growing appetite to acquire fresh tonnage could emerge post-Eid holidays.

Activity in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Turkey has been muted during the week long Eid holiday period. However, given that fundamentals are starting to turn positive in the subcontinent markets and demand too has improved (on the back of a lackluster supply of vessels over the past few months), it is expected to be a busier and more bullish final quarter of the year as has traditionally been the case.

Gadani buyers are also starting to wake up to the stark reality that their well below market offerings are leading them nowhere. However, following re-inspections of several tankers about a week ago and the strong likelihood of cutting permissions forthcoming, the near future could see Gadani Recyclers firming their levels once tonnage starts to be absorbed.

Finally, both China and Turkey remain suspended with almost no possibility for the only open Chinese yard to conclude tonnage. Turkey may stand an opportunity in the weeks ahead, however until present day levels sink in to become the accepted reality for those looking to sell their vessels into Turkey, this market is destined to remain on the sidelines.

For week 34 of 2018, GMS demo rankings / pricing for the week are as below.


Demo Rank
Location
Sentiment
Dry Bulk USD/LDT
Containers USD/LDT
Tankers USD/LDT
1
Bangladesh
Positive
USD 420/LT
USD 445 / LT
USD 435 / LT
2
India
Positive
USD 415/LT
USD 440/LT
USD 430/LT
3
Pakistan
Weak
USD 410/LT
USD 435/LT
USD 425/LT
4
Turkey
Weak
USD 230 / MT
USD 230/MT
USD 240 / MT
5
China
Weak
USD 160/ LT
USD 180/LT
USD 170 / LT


Source: steel guru. 28 August 2018

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