As of today, January 14, Turkey’s Kardemir has opened its domestic sales of 150 mm x 150 m steel billet after a long period of absence from the market. The supplier’s price for S235JR grade has been set at TRY 2,495/mt ($425/mt) ex-works, while its MT.III-A grade billet is available at TRY 2,525/mt ($430/mt) ex-works.
Kardemir’s billet price is line with most domestic offers from other local suppliers which have been ranging within $420-430/mt ex-works since the end of last week. Taking into account that some buyers in Karabuk need to restock, Kardemir has so far managed to sell 37,750 mt of billet, while its sales are still open. However, some sources say that the supplier is finding it difficult to trade lots bigger than 5,000 mt.
The new prices from Kardemir have made the market situation clearer for foreign billet suppliers, specifically for those selling to the Karabuk region. Import billet for prompt shipment is currently available at $415/mt CFR, which is considered workable. Overall in Turkey, according to sources, ex-CIS billet is available at $425/mt CFR on average for February-March shipments.
$1 = TRY 5.87
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