products to inflate bidding. Meanwhile, the government announced a 5% growth target for this year during its National People’s Congress session, curbing expectations of a more ambitious plan but still paving way for more stimulus for construction and infrastructure. Signs of tight supply remained as major steel production hub Tangshan was forced to extend its production halt in response to heavy pollution. Scarce raw materials also pushed up prices as steel mills were forced to bid at higher levels since adverse weather in top iron ore producers Australia and Brazil limited shipments.