During the last two weeks, Mexican domestic rebar prices fell US$25/mt to settle at US$689/mt ex-mill. Industry sources tell SteelOrbis that the domestic rebar market currently has significant problems, in particular mills' use of rebar supply as a "hook" to promote the sale of other products. Reportedly, mills are seeking to establish a coordinated strategy between distributors and manufacturers to combat unfair practices that are occurring in the competitive market.
Meanwhile, industry sources said rebar-related construction in the last six months has shown a slight slowdown in activity and investment due to weakness in the housing sector, among other factors. In the first quarter of 2013, housing construction fell 2.3 percent.