The Turkish domestic rebar market is on a stable trend in opposition to the general market tendency. This week 12 mm rebar prices were at TRY 890-900/mt ($583-589/mt + 18 percent VAT) ex-works, including VAT. There is an ongoing lack of available supplies in the domestic market due to the export loadings being carried out. This provides support for TRY-based prices. Furthermore, the decrease in the US Dollar-Turkish Lira exchange rate has even caused US Dollar-based prices to increase.
Turkish mills are offering rebars for export at $565-575/mt FOB on actual weight basis for mid-to-late August shipments to destinations other than the US and Persian Gulf markets. In particular, European customers are not showing much interest in August shipments due to the low domestic prices and the traditional holiday period.
The price level of imported rebar in the UAE market is at around AED 2,320-2,350/mt ($632-640/mt) delivered to site on a theoretical weight basis for 3- and 5-month deferred payment, excluding VAT. Although the import prices have been declining for a long time, domestic prices have not fallen below AED 2,300/mt ($626/mt). As regards imports, customers are trying to resist until the last minute, considering that the Turkish producers will need to sell their goods for August shipments. On the other hand, the Turkish producers are waiting without making any price reductions since they think that customers' stock levels are not adequate. Offers from Qatar are at $615/mt CFR on theoretical weight basis.
The general negative trend in the southern and eastern regions of Europe is continuing. Although base prices are at €330/mt ($449/mt) in Spain, it is possible to find prices at around €310/mt ($422/mt). Delivered to warehouse prices for 12 mm AENOR-certificated rebar are at €530/mt ($721/mt).
Italian base prices have fallen to €250-260/mt ($341-355/mt) this week. The price level of rebar in the local Italian market is at around €450-465/mt ($614-635/mt) delivered to warehouse in northern Italy, on actual weight basis with 60-day open account, excluding VAT. The latest rebar export offers were at €435-440/mt ($594-600/mt) FOB. The slowdown in the Italian domestic market along with the decrease in Ukrainian prices may create further pressure on Italian producers' prices.
This week's price level of rebar in the local Bulgarian market was at around BGN 900/mt ($627/mt) FOT. The sales price of imported rebar in the domestic market was at around BGN 880/mt ($613/mt) FOT. For exports to North Africa, it is possible to find prices at €425/mt ($578/mt) FOB. The Bulgarian domestic rebar price is also indicating a decline like that seen in the prices of other European countries.
Rebar prices in Greece have also shown a slight decline. The domestic market price level of rebars in Greece is currently at €480/mt ($654/mt) delivered to warehouse, excluding VAT. The continued drop in Italian prices may cause a further slowdown in the Greek market.
Ukrainian export offers, which had remained at the same levels for two months, have dropped slightly this month. The slowdown in the Russian market has contributed to this situation. Ukrainian mills are offering rebars for export to North Africa at around $520/mt FOB. Rebar offers for West Africa and Eastern Europe are higher than this price level.
It would be difficult to say that the rebar market is strong. Furthermore, the rebar market is not expected to rally soon. However, if the US market, which has long been calm, becomes active and if the stock levels in Europe decline, there is a possibility that the rebar market will see a renewal of activity in late July and early August.