There is a noticeable decline in demand in the Turkish steel sector, especially in the rebar and billet markets. Although the increase in scrap prices has led to higher prices both in the domestic market and export offers, the weakening demand for domestic and imported products is pushing prices downward. This situation causes price pressures in the market and threatens the industry's future growth prospects.
In the domestic market, rebar prices generally range between $555 and $570 per ton, with regional variations. In Izmir, prices are around $555 per ton, while in the Marmara Region, they are around $565 per ton. İçdaş keeps its official price at $580 per ton, but buyers can purchase at around $570 per ton. However, due to weak demand, prices are expected to drop further.
Similarly, in the billet market, limited supply and low demand are increasing price pressures. Due to the limited supply of Black Sea-origin billets, purchases have stagnated, while Asian-origin billet offers are not accepted by Turkish buyers due to high prices and long delivery times. As a result, billet buyers are monitoring prices, especially focusing on short delivery time purchases, following China's return from the holiday. Russian-origin billet prices are observed at $430 per ton FOB Black Sea, with the applicable price level for Türkiye at $440 per ton CFR.
Today, Kardemir raised local billet prices. However, this increase did not have a significant impact on the market. Buyers are limiting their new purchases as they do not find the current prices attractive. Nevertheless, some buyers continued to purchase local billets to replenish their stocks.
The uncertainty in the market and high costs are leading buyers to act more cautiously, while increasing cost pressures for producers may drive prices upward. This could lead to further increases in local billet prices in the coming weeks.
The future of the sector is shaped by weak demand in both domestic and foreign markets. While the start of reconstruction efforts in Syria is a promising development, particularly for the increase in demand from the İskenderun region in Türkiye, this demand is expected to grow gradually. Experts emphasize that it is unlikely to create an immediate impact.
Türkiye spot rebar prices by region, as assessed by www.steelradar.com on February 13, 2025;
Istanbul rebar prices 24.500 TL $565
Izmir rebar prices 24.000 TL $554
Karabuk rebar prices 24.000 TL $554
Payas rebar prices 24.100 TL $556
1 USD = 36,11 TL
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