Rebar imports rise in the European market
Industry insiders claim there are signs that
rebar imports from
Turkey and
Latvia into the EU are on the rise. Sources say statistics reveal that for January and February of 2002,
rebar imports came in at about 120,000/mt with some at 70% up for the same period in 2001. Reports indicate that
Latvia and
Turkey are the primary suppliers followed by
Moldova and
Belarus.
Insiders claim that some of the tonnage seems to be diverted from the U.S. while some could have been exported to the EC prior to tariff measures being imposed.
Latvia is exempt from U.S. tariffs under the status of “developing country.” Some steel executives report that if
rebar imports into the EU continue at their present levels,
antidumping action won't be far behind.