The manufacturing sector is a driving force behind economic growth.

Thai steel manufacturers are planning to increase their domestic prices following a rise in operational costs.

Hoa Phat Group produced over 6 million tonnes of crude steel in the first nine months of the year, matching its output from last year.

Integrated steelmaker US Steel is indefinitely idling a blast furnace at its Mon Valley Works in Pennsylvania.

The company's saleable iron ore production stood at 1.08mn t over the three-month period, while sales edged up by 2pc against the previous year, to 1.34mn t.

Steelmaker Nucor is keeping its plate prices flat, just weeks after announcing lower pricing.

Japanese automaker Honda expects to boost its North American production in the fourth quarter as access to auto parts improves.

The plate delivered assessment rose by $8.25/st to $1,676.50/st.