With a recovery in buying interest, the price of hot-rolled coil (HRC) in the Asian market has gradually increased. Traders stated that although China's overall export performance remains weak, the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Middle East tensions, fluctuating freight rates, and anticipated price strength in the local market are all factors supporting the current trend. 

Furthermore, domestic sales are currently strong, and steel mills are not under significant export pressure. POSCO's latest quote to Taiwan, while high, has made buyers hesitant, but there are virtually no other options for imported HRC. 

The recovery in HRC prices in the Southeast Asian market has boosted buying, with demand mainly from Malaysia, Thailand, and Taiwan. The continued price increases are primarily due to soaring freight costs. 

In addition, Indonesian HRC prices have jumped, and are already relatively high compared to Vietnamese HRC. Therefore, Hoa Phat Steel and Formosa Ha Tinh Steel have already filled their order quotas for this month.