Turkish rebar prices continue upward trend

The Turkish rebar market continues to follow an upward trend in both sales volumes and price levels. According to information obtained from producers, the partial recovery in domestic demand supports price increases, while on the export side, the European Union’s new quota measures are causing concern.

Kardemir, one of Türkiye’s leading integrated steel producers, launched new sales on October 9, increasing its rebar prices by 1,068 TL/ton (approximately $16/ton) compared to the levels on September 17. The mill’s announced price of 28,038 TL/ton ($560/ton) EXW quickly attracted total orders of 13,250 tons.

Regional pricing also confirms the upward movement. In the İzmir region, rebar prices stand at $540/ton, while in the Marmara region, ex-works prices are in the range of $565–570/ton. Although İçdaş’s official price is announced at $560/ton, market sources report that actual sales mostly take place around $555/ton. In the İskenderun region, a producer continues to offer at $565/ton.

According to industry representatives, the domestic market currently shows a stronger outlook than the export market. However, they note that sustaining current price levels will depend on the continued momentum in domestic demand. Sellers report that local sales, which had previously come to a near standstill, have started to pick up again, with small-volume orders now being received.

On the export side, a similar price trend is observed, but demand remains limited. Turkish rebar export offers are reported in the range of $540–550/ton FOB. However, according to the latest data published by the European Commission (EC), Türkiye’s allocated EU import quota for rebar under Category 13 is almost fully filled following the start of the new quota period on October 1.

A trader commented on the impact of EU quotas on the domestic market:

“There was already a significant slowdown in exports recently. Now, if this new EU quota plan comes into effect, one of our few remaining export channels will be closed. This means the products will be redirected to the domestic market. If domestic demand remains weak while supply increases, prices will fall and competition among mills will intensify.”

A producer, on the other hand, pointed out risks on the production side:

“The weakening of exports and the potential decline in domestic prices directly affect our production plans. Capacity utilization rates are already below 60%. In such an environment, cutting production or temporarily halting some lines may become inevitable.”

Meanwhile, an upward movement is also observed in the wire rod segment. Following its rebar sales, Kardemir also started domestic wire rod sales on the same day. Offers for 5.5 mm SAE 1008-1010 grade wire rod were announced at $570/ton EXW, up by $5/ton compared to the previous sales round.