US import rebar and wire rod prices were mostly steady this week on a continuation of low domestic rebar and wire rod demand, even as imports remain reduced as a result of ongoing Section 232 steel tariffs, market insiders told SteelOrbis.
Long steel import insiders told SteelOrbis this week that suppliers in Malaysia and Vietnam are now offering “more competitive pricing” to compete with continued flat domestic supply, though most insiders expect domestic long steel pricing could remain mostly near current levels through the remainder of 2025.
“US mills are busy but not super busy,” remarked one US Gulf Coast long steel import insider, commenting on reports of continued tight supply, the result of ongoing 50 percent steel tariffs. “Most of the demand (for long steel) is being met by domestic mills, however, once lower October scrap numbers come out, we could see a slight reduction for domestic pricing.”
Insiders report limited import wire rod mesh supplies from Vietnam and Malaysia quoted on a DDP loaded truck basis on the US Gulf Coast at $42.00-43/cwt., ($840-860/nt or $926-975/mt), off from $42.50-43.50/cwt., one week earlier.
“Traders report no major import cargoes are set to arrive (in the US) until early 2026,” reported another US Gulf Coast insider. “This situation should result in more supply tightening, which could enhance resale margins for US distributors.”
Insiders told SteelOrbis domestic mills are offering lower pricing for October scrap as a way to preserve existing margins, even as domestic finished steel prices remain mostly flat.
“Domestic scrap prices are expected to decline $10-20/gt for October,” remarked another US Gulf Coast long steel insider. “This will offer cost relief to US mills and improve production margins without causing significant downward pressure on rebar.”
On the US Gulf Coast, import rebar as well as imported wire rod mesh on a CFR FO US Gulf basis is reported $20/ton lower at $590-600/mt, versus earlier reports at $610-620/mt. “Import offers from Vietnam and Malaysia are becoming more competitive,” the US import insider said. CFR pricing does not include Section 232 tariffs.
On the US East Coast, import rebar on a loaded truck basis is discussed at $45.00-46.50/cwt., ($900-930/nt or $992-1,025/mt), slightly higher on the low-side of the range versus the prior week’s $44.50-46.50/cwt., offers. Gulf Coast supply on a loaded truck basis was heard at $43.50-45.50/cwt., ($870-910/nt or $959-1,003/mt), depending on the size of the customer. “Import deliveries are a lot more tight on the US East Coast said one rebar insider. “As a result, people are expecting to pay higher prices because supply is more limited.”
Import insiders remain hopeful that this week’s meeting between US President Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Carney could represent a breakthrough for continuing Section 232 tariffs that have slashed US import activity.
“Carney was at the White House talking about a deal on metals with the US that could happen as quickly as possible,” an insider told SteelOrbis. “If there is a new tariff deal with Canada, it could change the import situation quite a bit. Canadian mills are really suffering,” he added. “If Canada gets back into the supply situation, maybe domestic pricing will soften.”
