CRC Hard Coil Demand Strengthens on Appliance Sector Recovery

Cold-rolled hard coil (CRC Hard) prices have firmed as demand from the home appliance sector shows signs of recovery after a sluggish first half of the year.

Major appliance manufacturers report improved order books, particularly for air conditioners and refrigerators destined for export markets. This has translated into increased procurement of CRC Hard, a key input material for appliance housings and components.

“The appliance sector is our largest customer segment for CRC Hard,” noted a sales director at a steel service center. “When they’re busy, we’re busy. Order volumes have picked up noticeably over the past month.”

The recovery is partly seasonal, as manufacturers build inventory ahead of the peak summer selling season for air conditioners. However, there are also signs of genuine demand improvement, with export orders to emerging markets showing particular strength.

Prices for CRC Hard have increased by approximately 3% month-on-month, outperforming other flat steel products. The premium over hot-rolled coil has widened, reflecting the tighter supply-demand balance in the cold-rolled segment.