Although import rebar arrivals in the US have surged over the last couple months, sources tell SteelOrbis that the continued influx of positions is having “little effect” on offers for future arrival because tags are not too far off from where they were a couple months ago. According to the latest US import data, the US imported 128,343 mt of rebar in March (preliminary census totals), while April license permit totals as of April 22 have reached 98,193 mt.
While offers prices are unaffected, interest in positions is growing due to relatively tight supply in the US domestic rebar market, giving buyers another option for replenishing stocks in an environment of high demand. Sources say import rebar offers might tick upward a bit if demand continues its strong forecast.
For now, US import rebar offers are stable week-on-week, in the range of $38.00-$39.50 cwt. ($838-$871/mt or $760-$790/nt) DDP loaded truck in US Gulf ports from Turkey, and $37.50-$38.50 cwt. ($827-$849/mt or $750-$770/nt) DDP Houston from Mexico.