This week, Turkish flat steel spot prices have remained unchanged, even as sales activity has continued to fall short of sellers’ expectations. While demand has not improved in September as hoped, market players note that the situation is not entirely negative and there is still some ongoing selling activity in the market. However, compared to previous years, both demand levels and overall business activity have been steadily declining. This gradual erosion of market momentum is further compounded by persistent political and economic uncertainty, which continues to put pressure on sentiments and makes it increasingly difficult for participants to anticipate how the market will evolve in the coming period.
“The market remains generally slow and weak, although demand and trade have slightly improved compared to the summer. Still, ongoing political instability and economic challenges are making long-term planning difficult. As a result, in such conditions, neither sellers nor buyers have a clear view of the future, and both sides are hesitating to commit to serious purchases,” a trader told SteelOrbis
Currently, offers for hot rolled sheet have remained steady this week, maintaining the $570-590/mt ex-warehouse range seen last week. Larger traders continue to quote prices near the upper end, at around $590/mt, while medium and smaller-sized traders generally offer within the $570-580/mt band. However, some medium and smaller players have been willing to provide discounts to attract serious buyers, with prices reported to be dipping as low as $560-565/mt.
Similarly, the cold rolled sheet segment has also exhibited a stable trend. Most suppliers have maintained their offers unchanged from last week, with prices holding firm at $660-705/mt ex-warehouse.