Demand for US import rebar is still relatively muted as buyers observe continued uncertainty in the market. One of the top concerns, sources say, is the question as to when Section 232 tariffs against Turkish rebar imports will return to the 25 percent level from the 50 percent level that was increased in August 2018. Before the increase, Turkish offers for rebar to the US were slightly more competitive than offers from Italy or Spain, and buyers say that if they’re going to book an order amidst the uncertainty, “it better be for a good price.”
Offers for import rebar in the US domestic market from Italy and Spain are still around $38.50 cwt. ($849/mt or $770/nt) DDP loaded truck at US Gulf ports, and sources report that Mexican rebar offers are “slightly better,” heard at reportedly up to $1.00 cwt. ($22/mt or $20/nt) less.