China late-October input prices: steel pipe and copper ease, LNG rises 10.9%
The November 4 statistical release puts 20# seamless pipe at RMB 4,005.6/t and LNG at RMB 7,481.9/t for late October.
The story explained
China’s National Bureau of Statistics published its late-October 2026 production-material price survey on November 4. Against mid-October, 17 of 50 monitored products rose, 28 fell and five were unchanged across nine categories. The observation period is late October, rather than a live November quotation.
Q235 plate, 20 mm thick, averaged RMB 3,466.5 per tonne, down 1.2%. Q235 hot-rolled coil, 4.75–11.5 mm, was RMB 3,236.1/t, down 1.0%. The specified 20# seamless pipe, 219×6, was RMB 4,005.6/t, down RMB 6.6 or 0.2%. These movements apply to the listed specifications.
No. 1 electrolytic copper fell 0.7% to RMB 110,175.0/t, while A00 aluminium ingot rose 0.9% to RMB 23,787.1/t. LNG increased RMB 732.5/t, or 10.9%, to RMB 7,481.9/t. All comparisons use mid-October 2026 and all monetary values are in renminbi.
The survey measures wholesale and sales prices, including distribution costs, margins and taxes, across nearly 2,000 businesses in more than 300 markets. These prices can diverge from factory-gate movements. They are statistical market observations, not futures prices or quotations for finished valves.
Why it matters
Editorial analysis: Different movements in metals and energy require separate input-cost assumptions. A steel price decline alone does not establish a matching reduction in valve manufacturing costs.
Relevant toValve, pump and process-control suppliers; EPC and plant operations teams
What to watch next
Compare the next survey with the same grades and dimensions, then reconcile actual procurement prices, processing charges and delivery terms.
These are research prompts, not announced tenders or confirmed subsequent developments.
国家统计局
2026年10月下旬流通领域重要生产资料市场价格变动情况
This is an independently written summary and analysis, not an official translation. Project plans and status may change.