Russian billet prices have decreased slightly, with current offers around $440 per tonne FOB Black Sea, down from $445 per tonne FOB observed between late December and early January. The market has seen a gradual return of suppliers, who are adjusting their pricing in response to subdued demand following the holiday period.
The slight price reduction reflects an ongoing effort by Russian producers to stimulate activity as they re-enter the market. Some suppliers are open to considering firm bids and may offer small discounts to secure transactions, a sign of flexibility in an environment marked by lower trading volumes.
A key factor influencing the market is the expiration of Russia's temporary export duty, which ended in 2025. The removal of this levy is expected to make Russian billets more competitive on the global stage, as exporters no longer face the added cost of the duty. This could boost the appeal of Russian billets to international buyers, potentially driving a recovery in export activity in the coming months.
While the market remains cautious, the combination of lower prices and the end of the export duty could pave the way for a more dynamic market in the near future. However, the pace of recovery will depend largely on global demand and how buyers respond to the latest pricing offers.
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