With a decline of 1 percent on the LME to $290.00 per metric ton on Dec. 14, 2012, the steel billet cash price recorded the biggest decline of the day. After a couple of days of decreasing prices on the LME, the steel billet 3-month price held steady at $300.00.

Chinese steel prices were flat for the day. The prices of iron ore 58% fines from India remained within a tight range above $130 per dry metric ton. The price of Chinese HRC held steady. The price of Chinese coking coal was unchanged.

The US HRC futures contract 3-month price remained essentially flat at $640.00 per short ton. Following two days of downward movement, the spot price of the US HRC futures contract held steady at $643.00 per short ton.