Weak domestic demand, sluggish export orders, and liquidity issues have led to a generally stagnant outlook in the Türkiye rebar market.
In the domestic market, prices remained largely flat within the $540–560/mt range, with regional differences persisting. In the İzmir region, prices fell to around $540/mt, while in the Marmara region, ex-works prices stayed between $555–560/mt. İçdaş’s official price remains stable at $555/mt.
A mill source commented, “Demand is very limited — buyers are only purchasing what they need. There’s no clear direction in the market right now; everyone is waiting to see who will move first.”
Traders report a similar situation. One trader noted, “Purchases have shifted directly to the producers, which has squeezed our margins. Customer activity is low, and we’re facing growing requests for discounts to close deals.”
On the export side, the weakness remains evident. Türkiye rebar export prices dropped to around $540/mt FOB Türkiye. Despite relatively high offer levels, mills have become more flexible, accepting counteroffers and showing willingness to conclude deals at lower prices.
According to an exporter, “In some regions, prices have even dipped below $540/mt. With limited demand, sales volumes are insufficient, and mills are under pressure to sell.”
Sources indicated that producers facing low sales volumes are open to negotiating lower prices, increasing downward pressure on the market.
Driven by recent developments in the scrap segment, billet buyers in Türkiye have continued replenishing their stocks. Within this context, notable volumes of Chinese and Malaysian-origin semis were reportedly sold to the market.
According to market sources, two cargoes of Chinese-origin semis were sold at around $457/mt CFR Türkiye. The first cargo of 50,000 mt is reportedly bound for İzmir, while the second cargo of 20,000 mt was purchased by a customer in İskenderun. Both shipments are said to be scheduled for late November to early December, though these sales have not yet been officially confirmed.
A buyer commented, “We’re seeing competitive pricing for Chinese-origin material, but buyers remain cautious due to delivery time and quality considerations.”
Mills in Türkiye continue to offer rebar in the local market at $510–515/mt EXW levels.
Both in domestic and export markets, weak demand, tight liquidity, and strong competition continue to exert downward pressure on prices. Market participants do not expect a notable recovery in the short term.
A producer representative remarked, “Demand is very weak — everyone’s trying to manage cash flow. It’s likely that this trend will continue through November as well.”
Some participants, however, expect that increased billet restocking activity could provide limited support to the semi-finished segment in the coming weeks.
Comments
No comment yet.