Due to persistently weak demand, reaching notably low levels in recent weeks with the arrival of the summer season, Turkish flat steel traders have continued to lower their offer prices over the past week in an attempt to stimulate buyer interest. Despite these reductions, market participants report that trading activity is gradually declining daily, and discounted prices have thus far failed to generate purchasing activity. While the outlook for September appears more positive in terms of both general market sentiment and the anticipated demand recovery, traders remain largely pessimistic about the current month, citing extremely limited sales volumes.
“This month began very slowly once again. Demand continues to decline, particularly as the summer holiday period persists, which is pushing prices down due to the lack of transactions,” a trader told SteelOrbis
In line with this trend, domestic prices for hot rolled sheets have fallen to $560-590/mt ex-warehouse, compared to the previous range of $570-595/mt ex-warehouse. Larger traders are currently offering material at approximately $590/mt ex-warehouse, whereas small and medium-sized traders are quoting between $560-570/mt ex-warehouse.
Similarly, cold rolled sheets prices have also declined by approximately $10/mt week on week, with current offers now standing at $660-705/mt ex-warehouse.