During the last session of the SteelOrbis Spring 2013 Conference & 68th IREPAS Meeting held in Doha, Uğur Dalbeler, chairman of IREPAS and of the billet suppliers' committee, stated that in 2012 lower iron ore prices pushed down slabs prices as well. Consequently, mills capable of producing both billet and slab preferred to focus on steel billet production, resulting in less slab availability . However, stated Mr. Dalbeler, with iron ore prices now higher, mills are again expected to increase their slab production in 2013. Mr. Dalbeler said that the committee does not believe that scrap prices will go down and, as steel prices seem rather stable, this situation puts pressure on producers.
The IREPAS chairman also said that electric arc furnace-based producers and even integrated mills will either have to raise their prices or they will have to consider reducing their production. In conclusion, he stated, the committee's view was that, although 2013 seems set to be characterized by sideways price movement, it will definitely be a better year than last year.