Sources tell SteelOrbis that interest in rebar imports is picking up as US domestic rebar mills continue to hold their own prices in a firm grip. An expected rise in scrap prices as winter weather starts might not lead to an official price increase for US rebar, but an unwillingness to cut deals is leading many buyers to turn to the import market for attractive prices.
This week, US import rebar prices are stable at $45.50-$46.50 cwt. ($1,003-$1,025/mt or $910-$930/nt) DDP loaded truck in US Gulf ports from Turkey and $46.00-$48.00 cwt. ($1,014-$1,058/mt or $920-$960/nt) DDP Houston from Mexico. However, sources say that if demand for imports continues to strengthen, importers might be tempted to raise offers.