US import long steel prices were steady to a bit lower this week, amid reports of that domestic supply continues to win the lion’s share of trade, the result of import tariffs that continue to reduce long steel supplies from abroad, insiders told SteelOrbis. And, while the current market outlook for sideways August scrap remains somewhat bullish for steel prices, insiders caution that media reports of continued unremarkable US demand from key construction and housing sectors could be starting to limit the extent of further upward price movement, they said.
In the weekly import rebar markets, insiders report prices mostly flat to previous assessments with slightly higher and lower average levels noted in some regions depending on the size of the buyer. One Gulf Coast importer reported “upriver import stock offers” little changed from one week prior “in the low-$42.00/cwt.” range, with an additional $1.50/cwt., added for #3 rebars.” Another said US East Coast rebar dealer quoted US East Coast rebar on a loaded truck basis in a wider $40-44/cwt., ($800-840/nt or $882-970/mt) range, amid reports of reduced local East Coast rebar supplies, he said.
“I think by and large, [the market is] accepting the current long steel price levels, however, I don’t see an overly strong spot market out there right now,” cautioned one import steel insider to SteelOrbis. “Given continuing low US demand levels, I’m afraid that we could see prices fall back to where they were prior to recent price increases by the mills.”
In reaction to recent steel tariffs amounting to 50 percent on key US steel suppliers in Mexico and Canada, US steel mills like Nucor and CMC announced $20-60/ton ($1.00-3.00/cwt) posted price increases during July on rebar and wire rod products, while other steel grades like angles and beams were up a less robust $2.00/cwt., or ($40.00/nt). For the most part, those increases have been fully accepted by the market and are now reflected in current spot pricing, insiders say.
On the US Gulf Coast, insiders told SteelOrbis prices were little changed. “Mexican material into Texas is currently in the $820-860/ton range ($904-948/mt) or $41-43/cwt. And while the price gap between import and domestic is still there ($35-60/ton), uncertainty around AD/CVD investigations and port congestion is limiting confidence in forward import bookings,” he said. “We’re hearing a consistent message across the market that underlying construction demand remains soft,” he added. “Especially in the commercial and infrastructure segments.”
Imported rebar on a CFR FO USG basis not inclusive of tariffs is discussed flat following last week’s $10/mt increase to $605-615/mt, while wire rod equivalent product on a CFR FO USG also came in steady to a week ago levels following a previous $5/mt increase to $610-620/mt, importers told SteelOrbis.
In the imported wire rod segment, insiders report a continued paucity of trade with prices generally reported $1.50/cwt., less at $42-43/cwt., ($840-860/nt or $926-948/mt), off from $44.50-45.50 one week prior.