South Korean rebar producers to target niche markets

South Korean rebar producers are expected to target niche markets in 2012, strengthening their competitiveness amid limited demand for rebar products, as reported by local industry sources.
 
Accordingly, South Korean rebar producers are focusing increasingly on high-strength rebars, earthquake-resistant rebars, rebars for use in nuclear power plants, and rebars in coil.
 
In this connection, last year Hyundai Steel was successful in the development of new ultra-high tensile strength rebars in SD600, 700 and 800 grades and earthquake-resistant rebars in SD400S, 500S and 600S grades.
 
Meanwhile, in the second half of 2012 Dongkuk Steel plans to start up a new rolling mill for rebars at its Incheon Works, which will have the world's fastest rolling speed. Once the new rolling facilities are completed, the annual rebar production capacity of its Incheon Works will be increased from the current level of 1.4 million metric tons to 2.2 million metric tons with maximum diameter of 57 mm and tensile strength of up to 800 MPa.
 
Daehan Steel, which has the third-largest rebar production capacity in South Korea, started up its rolling facilities for rebar in coil last year within the scope of its plan to expand its rebar processing network all over the country. In addition, domestic producers YK Steel and HANSCO are preparing to supply rebars for use in nuclear power plants.