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.

Machine shop turnings price indications are expected to emerge later, but a sideways trend would leave prices at $130/gt.

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

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

The daily Argus ICX 62pc iron ore index was at $96.15/dry metric tonne today, down 19pc from a year earlier.

Indian private-sector producer Tata Steel's sales rose by 7.2pc on the year in July-September, despite monsoon-led seasonal weakness.

"Our plant uses a lot of water and chemicals but unlike other jurisdictions will not produce a single litre of liquid waste," SRC president Mike Crabtree said.