As demand conditions in the Balkan steel market varied across countries, construction, infrastructure and project investments in the Western Balkans continued to support steel consumption in the region. In Albania, major projects and tourism investments kept demand active, while the shutdown of local production increased the share of imported products in the market.
Türkiye maintained its strong position as a regional supplier, while new purchases in Romania remained limited due to sufficient stock levels and the impact of the summer period. Prices in the region varied across countries and product groups, while restocking activity expected in late August and September emerged as a key factor for the short-term market outlook. Market sources expected demand to recover but indicated that currently low consumption could delay the acceleration of purchases.
In Albania, major projects particularly in Tirana and coastal areas, along with tourism and diaspora investments, supported steel consumption. Consumption, which stood at around 350,000 mt last year, is expected to remain at a similar level in 2026. Imports through the ports of Durrës and Porto Romano also made Albania an important supply hub for Kosovo and North Macedonia. Following the closure of Kurum International, supplies from Türkiye, as well as Egypt and Algeria, gained greater importance.
Türkiye maintained its strong position as a supplier, particularly in Western Balkan markets outside the EU. Romania ranked first among the destinations for Türkiye's wire rod exports in June, with exports to the country reaching 51,557 mt.
In Romania, interest in new purchases remained limited due to sufficient stocks and the impact of the summer period. HRC offers in Romania stood at EUR 750–760/t ex-warehouse, while contracted transactions were at EUR 710–720/t. Rebar prices stood at EUR 635/t in Bulgaria, EUR 640/t in Romania and EUR 655/t in Kosovo.
Looking ahead, the key indicator for the market will be the extent of restocking activity expected in late August and September. While market sources expect a recovery to begin, they indicated that currently low consumption could delay this process by around one month.
Overall, the current outlook showed that demand in the Western Balkans remained more resilient than in Romania.
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