Some Turkish longs exporters have decided to adopt a rather aggressive price policy this week in order to attract customers’ attention. The silence in the import scrap segment, aggressive Russian billet pricing and sluggish international demand for rebar and wire rod are the main challenges. However, some of the Turkish longs producers prefer to wait for now, most probably being under less pressure to sell. In the meantime, they are facing rising energy costs and higher freight rates, which again contribute to their caution as regards offering solid longs prices for export. As a result, no fresh export deals for rebar or wire rods have been heard this week.
Official Turkish rebar export prices have decreased by $20-40/mt over the past week to $900-940/mt FOB and even lower levels are said to be possible from some sellers. Rebar is mainly on offer for May-June shipments, SteelOrbis understands. Some orders are coming from Europe, but for the next quarter’s quota. Rebar demand in the MENA region is quiet due to the Ramadan period and the uncertain market prospects. According to sources, a few ex-Africa inquiries have been made to Turkey amid the delay or cancellation of orders from China amid congestion at Shanghai port.
In the Turkish domestic market, official rebar prices vary at $930-940/mt ex-works, while a few mills are offering below $900/mt ex-works in the Izmir region, trying to generate sales, SteelOrbis has heard. On the demand side, most buyers are taking their time as regards concluding new purchases during the Ramadan period.
In the wire rod segment, the general price range has widened this week depending on the producers’ positions and delivery terms. A few mills have cut their wire rod export offers by $30/mt to $1,030/mt FOB, while a few mills have started quoting $940/mt FOB Iskenderun for June shipment. One mill has also cut its wire rod price by $50/mt to $1,050/mt FOB Marmara this week, but the offer is not workable as much lower prices are available.