The significant billet shortage seen in the region due to the absence of offers from Ukraine and the risks of working with Russia has resulted in higher prices for billet in Turkey and decent local demand.
Turkish producer Kardemir opened its local billet sales earlier today, March 8, and closed them within a couple of hours. The supplier’s price was at $880/mt ex-works for S235JR grade, while its S420-B420 grade billet was available at $885/mt ex-works. The producer’s billet prices indicate a $202/mt increase compared to its previous list dated February 3. Kardemir succeeded in selling around 85,000 mt in total. “Everyone booked and this was expected. Imports hardly exist, specifically for the Karabuk region, since there are issues regarding navigation in the Black Sea due to the military situation,” a trader told SteelOrbis.
Prices exclude 18 percent VAT.