Price competition continues across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) steel market, while logistics-related risks remain the key factor shaping regional trade flows. Ongoing security concerns in the Red Sea and slower cargo movements through the Strait of Hormuz are extending delivery times and creating uncertainty across supply chains. Against this backdrop, a Chinese offer for 130,000 mt of 130×130 mm billet for October 2026 shipment was heard at $537/mt CFR Djibouti, reflecting the market's cautious approach through longer delivery lead times.
Export-driven competition remains intense across the region. Egypt continues to maintain its competitive position with rebar offers to Europe at $580/mt FOB and wire rod at $610/mt FOB, while rebar offers to Lebanon stand at $615/mt CPT. In Iran, weak domestic demand continues to push producers toward export markets, with billet assessed at $410/mt FOB, slab at $420/mt FOB, DRI at $240/mt FOB and HBI at $250-255/mt FOB. In the Lebanese market, Egyptian-origin rebar is offered at $580-590/mt CFR, compared with Iranian material at $550-560/mt CFR.
Yemen remains heavily dependent on imports, with Turkey maintaining its strong position in the rebar market. Rebar prices in Mukalla are reported at $685/mt EXW, while Turkish-origin material is traded at around $700/mt. Semi-finished steel products, however, continue to be sourced mainly from China. Although Turkey benefits from geographical proximity and shorter delivery times, China continues to dominate the semi-finished segment thanks to its competitive pricing.
Elsewhere in the region, billet prices in Saudi Arabia stand at $610/mt EXW, while domestic rebar and wire rod prices in Algeria are reported at $752/mt and $758/mt, respectively. In South Africa, flat steel products continued to outperform long products, with HRC prices rising to $891/mt and CRC to $998/mt. Standard plate prices declined to $947/mt, while rebar remained stable at $725/mt and scrap at $234/mt. Meanwhile, Libyan HBI prices remained unchanged at $367/mt FOB.
Overall, competition in the MENA steel market is increasingly being shaped not only by pricing but also by logistics security, delivery reliability and supply chain management. Developments in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz are expected to remain key drivers of freight costs and regional steel trade in the coming months, making timely market intelligence and close monitoring of trade flows increasingly important for both buyers and sellers.
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