Steel rebar futures fell to around CNY 3,100 per ton in early September, pulling back from multi-month highs as surging oil prices heightened inflationary risks and reinforced expectations of imminent interest rate hikes, weighing on the demand outlook. Higher rates could eventually slow global economic growth, dampening demand for industrial metals. Meanwhile, steel prices rallied sharply in August as investors anticipated a recovery in demand due to seasonal factors ahead of the September peak construction season. China’s National Development and Reform Commission also reportedly held meetings in recent weeks, urging local governments to accelerate the construction of major projects. However, China’s non-manufacturing PMI, which covers services and construction, held steady at 49.0, matching July’s reading and remaining at its weakest level since December 2022.