All 20 Sxcoal-surveyed coking plants held prices stable on Dec 17. Steel product prices slightly climbed, but actual trading liquidity was thin due to tepid demand. This, combined with increased maintenance at mills, resulted in reduced molten iron production, pressuring coke demand. As most prices of coal grades dropped, most cokemakers can still secured profits. But as some provinces conducted environmental checks, coke supply may contract and prices are likely to remain steady.