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	<title>IREPAS - International Rebar Producers and Exporters Association &#187; Algeria</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.irepas.com/?feed=rss2&#038;tag=algeria" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>https://www.irepas.com</link>
	<description>ıIREPAS gathers producers, traders and consumers of steel rebars, wire rods, sections as well as suppliers of ferrous scrap and steel raw materials</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Mon, 13 Jul 2026 07:06:44 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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		<title>US issues CVD order on rebar imports from Algeria</title>
		<link>https://www.irepas.com/?p=6531&#038;utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=us-issues-cvd-order-on-rebar-imports-from-algeria</link>
		<comments>https://www.irepas.com/?p=6531#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2026 22:03:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Irepas</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Algeria]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[counterveiling (CVD)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Protectionism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rebar]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spa Tosyali Iron Steel Industry Algerie]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tosyali Algerie]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[US DOC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[US ITC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[USA]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.irepas.com/?p=6531</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The US Department of Commerce (DOC) has issued a countervailing duty (CVD) order on steel concrete reinforcing bar (rebar) from Algeria, following the affirmative final determination published on March 27, 2026 that countervailable subsidies are being provided to producers and exporters of subject merchandise. The net countervailable subsidy rate is 72.94 percent for Tosyali Iron [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The US Department of Commerce (DOC) has issued a countervailing duty (CVD) order on steel concrete reinforcing bar (rebar) from Algeria, following the affirmative final determination published on March 27, 2026 that countervailable subsidies are being provided to producers and exporters of subject merchandise.</p>
<p>The net countervailable subsidy rate is 72.94 percent for Tosyali Iron Steel Industry Algeria SPA, the sole mandatory respondent, and 72.94 percent for all others. The rate is based on facts available with adverse inferences, as Tosyali did not participate in the investigation.</p>
<p>Because the US Trade Representative has determined that Algeria is not a Subsidies Agreement country, no material injury determination by the US International Trade Commission was required.</p>
<p>The ITC closed its investigation on May 18, 2026, and the DOC subsequently issued this order. The CVD order is applicable as of July 6, 2026, and was published in the Federal Register the same date.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>EU sets country specific quota allocations under post-safeguard regime</title>
		<link>https://www.irepas.com/?p=6514&#038;utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=eu-sets-country-specific-quota-allocations-under-post-safeguard-regime</link>
		<comments>https://www.irepas.com/?p=6514#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2026 19:17:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Irepas</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Algeria]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[China]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Egypt]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Europe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[European Union]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[free trade agreement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FTA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Japan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Malaysia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Moldova]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Northern Ireland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Protectionism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[quota]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[safeguard]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[South Korea]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Switzerland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tariff]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Turkey]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UK]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ukraine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vietnam]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.irepas.com/?p=6514</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The European Commission has announced that it has set out the detailed country allocation of tariff quotas under the EU&#8217;s new steel trade regime. The total annual tariff quota volume of 18.35 million mt will be distributed across 26 steel product categories, replacing the previous safeguard quota administration. Each quota is divided equally into four [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The European Commission has announced that it has set out the detailed country allocation of tariff quotas under the EU&#8217;s new steel trade regime. The total annual tariff quota volume of 18.35 million mt will be distributed across 26 steel product categories, replacing the previous safeguard quota administration. Each quota is divided equally into four quarterly volumes.</p>
<p>Half of the import quotas have been allocated exclusively to free trade agreement (FTA) partners, while the remaining half will be available to all exporting countries, including FTA partners.</p>
<p>The regulation establishes three different quota access mechanisms depending on the exporting country&#8217;s status.</p>
<p>Countries receiving a country-specific quota (CSQ) may use their allocated quota immediately. Once exhausted, eligible FTA partners may continue exporting under an additional FTA Quota &#8211; CSQ, which is administered on a first-come, first-served basis.</p>
<p>Countries without country-specific quotas may instead access:<br />
- “Other countries” quota: accessible for the exporting countries which are not FTA partners.<br />
- FTA Quota &#8211; Other countries quota: accessible for the exporting countries which are FTA partners.</p>
<p>The countries that are able to access these three type of quotas may vary depending on the products.</p>
<p>The CSQ allocations for reinforcing bars are as follows:</p>
<ul>
<li>Türkiye : 239,66.09 mtons (59,919.02 mtons per quarter)</li>
<li>Egypt : 144,367.80 mtons (36,091.95 mtons per quarter)</li>
<li>Algeria : 63,761.42 mtons (15,940.36 mtons per quarter)</li>
<li>Moldova : 39,719.11 mtons (9,929.78 mtons per quarter)</li>
<li>China : 20,216.13 mtons (5,054.03 mtons per quarter)</li>
<li>Ukraine : 67,710.16 mtons (16,927.54 mtons per quarter)</li>
<li>FTA Quota &#8211; CSQ : 158,803.37 mtons (39,700.84 mtons per quarter)</li>
<li>Other Countries : 63,322.34 mtons (15,830.59 mtons per quarter)</li>
<li>FTA Quota &#8211; Other Countries : 38,299.23 mtons (9,574.81 mtons per quarter)</li>
<li>UK (to Northern Ireland from other parts of the UK) : 8,649.90 mtons (2,162.48 mtons per quarter)</li>
</ul>
<p>The CSQ allocations for wire rods are as follows:</p>
<ul>
<li>Türkiye : 244,589.00 mtons (61,147.25 mtons per quarter)</li>
<li>Malaysia : 86,683.40 mtons (21,670.85 mtons per quarter)</li>
<li>UK : 175,399.53 mtons (43,849.88 mtons per quarter)</li>
<li>Ukraine : 189,145.02 mtons (47,286.26 mtons per quarter)</li>
<li>Switzerland : 162,195.34 mtons (40,548.83 mtons per quarter)</li>
<li>Viet Nam : 97,086.65 mtons (24,271.66 mtons per quarter)</li>
<li>Moldova : 95,839.25 mtons (23,959.81 mtons per quarter)</li>
<li>Egypt : 86,714.89 mtons (21,678.72 mtons per quarter)</li>
<li>FTA Quota &#8211; CSQ : 122,881.38 mtons (30,720.34 mtons per quarter)</li>
<li>Other Countries : 153,927.34 mtons (38,481.84 mtons per quarter)</li>
<li>FTA Quota &#8211; Other Countries : 138,440.96 mtons (34,610.24 mtons per quarter)</li>
<li>Korea : 11,334.76 mtons (2,833.69 mtons per quarter)</li>
<li>Japan : 5,293.99 mtons (1,323.50 mtons per quarter)</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>US issues final antidumping order on rebar imports from Algeria</title>
		<link>https://www.irepas.com/?p=6467&#038;utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=us-issues-final-antidumping-order-on-rebar-imports-from-algeria</link>
		<comments>https://www.irepas.com/?p=6467#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 23:05:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Irepas</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Algeria]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[antidumping (AD)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Protectionism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rebar]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spa Tosyali Iron Steel Industry Algerie]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tosyali Algerie]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[US DOC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[USA]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.irepas.com/?p=6467</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The US Department of Commerce (DOC) has released the final results of the administrative review of the antidumping duty (AD) order on steel concrete reinforcing bar (rebar) imports from Algeria for the period between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025. The DOC determined that Tosyali Iron Steel Industry Algeria made sales of subject merchandise [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The US Department of Commerce (DOC) has released the final results of the administrative review of the antidumping duty (AD) order on steel concrete reinforcing bar (rebar) imports from Algeria for the period between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025.</p>
<p>The DOC determined that Tosyali Iron Steel Industry Algeria made sales of subject merchandise at less than normal value during the period of review. The DOC has determined a weighted-average dumping margin of 127.32 percent for the company and all other Algerian producers and exporters.</p>
<p>According to the preliminary determination, the weighted-average dumping margin was also determined at 127.32 percent.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>US assigns final CVD orders on rebar imports from Algeria</title>
		<link>https://www.irepas.com/?p=6456&#038;utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=us-assigns-final-cvd-orders-on-rebar-imports-from-algeria</link>
		<comments>https://www.irepas.com/?p=6456#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 22:06:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Irepas</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Algeria]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[counterveiling (CVD)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Protectionism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rebar]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spa Tosyali Iron Steel Industry Algerie]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tosyali Algerie]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[US DOC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[USA]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.irepas.com/?p=6456</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The US Department of Commerce (DOC) has announced the final results of the administrative review of the countervailing duty (CVD) order on rebar from Algeria. The DOC found that countervailable subsidies were provided to producers and exporters of rebar from Algeria during the period of review from January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024. The [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The US Department of Commerce (DOC) has announced the final results of the administrative review of the countervailing duty (CVD) order on rebar from Algeria.</p>
<p>The DOC found that countervailable subsidies were provided to producers and exporters of rebar from Algeria during the period of review from January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024.</p>
<p>The final subsidy rate is at 72.94 percent only for Tosyali Iron Steel Industry Algeria SPA and all other Algerian exporters, in line with the preliminary determination.</p>
<p>The subject merchandise is provided for in subheadings</p>
<ul>
<li>7213.10.0000,</li>
<li>7214.20.0000,</li>
<li>7228.30.8010</li>
</ul>
<p>of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). The subject merchandise may also enter under other HTSUS subheadings including</p>
<ul>
<li>7221.00.0017,</li>
<li>7221.00.0018,</li>
<li>7221.00.0030,</li>
<li>7221.00.0045,</li>
<li>7222.11.0001,</li>
<li>7222.11.0057,</li>
<li>7222.11.0059,</li>
<li>7222.30.0001,</li>
<li>7227.20.0080,</li>
<li>7227.90.6030,</li>
<li>7227.90.6035,</li>
<li>7227.90.6040,</li>
<li>7228.20.1000,</li>
<li>7228.60.6000.</li>
</ul>
<p>In addition, the DOC determined an estimated weighted-average antidumping margin of 127.32 percent on the given products for Algeria, based on the investigation period from April 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>US issues final antidumping review results for Algerian rebar imports</title>
		<link>https://www.irepas.com/?p=6404&#038;utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=us-issues-final-antidumping-review-results-for-algerian-rebar-imports</link>
		<comments>https://www.irepas.com/?p=6404#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 08:05:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Irepas</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Algeria]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[antidumping (AD)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Protectionism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rebar]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rebar Trade Action Coalition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spa Tosyali Iron Steel Industry Algerie]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[US DOC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[USA]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.irepas.com/?p=6404</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The US Department of Commerce (DOC) has affirmed its preliminary findings from December 19, 2025, finding steel concrete reinforcing bar (rebar) from Algeria was sold into the US at less than fair value (LTFV). Following a lack of response from all parties involved, DOC has determined an estimated weighted-average antidumping margin of 127.32 percent now [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The US Department of Commerce (DOC) has affirmed its preliminary findings from December 19, 2025, finding steel concrete reinforcing bar (rebar) from Algeria was sold into the US at less than fair value (LTFV).<br />
Following a lack of response from all parties involved, DOC has determined an estimated weighted-average antidumping margin of 127.32 percent now exists as its Final Determination based on the investigation period from April 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025.</p>
<p>In December, DOC published in the Federal Register its preliminary determination in the LTFV investigation of rebar from Algeria, inviting parties to comment. On January 20, 2026, the case petitioner, the Rebar Trade Action Coalition (RTAC), submitted a case brief urging DOC to continue relying on adverse facts available, to determine the dumping margin of the non-responsive mandatory respondent, Tosyali Iron Steel Industry Algeria SPA (Tosyali), make no changes to the dumping margins determined in the Preliminary Determination for Tosyali and all other producers and exporters.</p>
<p>No other party submitted a case brief regarding the Preliminary Determination, and no party submitted a rebuttal brief. As DOC received no other substantive comments requesting consideration of changes, DOC agrees with the petitioner that no changes are warranted. As a result, the Preliminary Determination has been adopted in this Final Determination, and no decision memorandum was expected.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>US DOC initiates antidumping/countervailing duty investigations on rebar from four countries</title>
		<link>https://www.irepas.com/?p=6228&#038;utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=us-doc-initiates-antidumpingcountervailing-duty-investigations-on-rebar-from-four-countries</link>
		<comments>https://www.irepas.com/?p=6228#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 Jul 2025 20:46:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Irepas</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Algeria]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[antidumping (AD)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bulgaria]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[counterveiling (CVD)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Egypt]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Protectionism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rebar]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[US DOC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[US ITC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[USA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vietnam]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wiley Rein LLP]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.irepas.com/?p=6228</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The US Department of Commerce (DOC) has announced that it has initiated two investigations on rebar from Algeria, Bulgaria, Egypt, and Vietnam. The antidumping investigation on reinforcing bars from Algeria, Bulgaria and Egypt covers the period between April 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025, while the period for Vietnam is between October 1, 2024 and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The US Department of Commerce (DOC) has announced that it has initiated two investigations on rebar from Algeria, Bulgaria, Egypt, and Vietnam. The antidumping investigation on reinforcing bars from Algeria, Bulgaria and Egypt covers the period between April 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025, while the period for Vietnam is between October 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025. Meanwhile, the countervailing duty investigation on the given products from the four countries in question covers the period between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024.</p>
<p>The investigations were initiated following the petitions filed by US-based law firm Wiley Rein LLP, alleging that the producers in the given countries are benefiting from government subsidies and selling reinforcing bars in the US at unfairly low prices.</p>
<p>The US International Trade Commission must reach a preliminary determination in the investigations within 45 days after the date on which the petitions were filed on June 4, 2025.</p>
<p>In the first two months this year, the US imported 57,206 mt, 78,644 mt, 26,466 mt and 35,200 mt of reinforcing bars from Algeria, Bulgaria, Egypt, and Vietnam, respectively.</p>
<p>The products currently fall under the codes 7213.10.0000, 7214.20.0000, and 7228.30.8010.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Short Range Outlook : February 2025</title>
		<link>https://www.irepas.com/?p=6140&#038;utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=short-range-outlook-february-2025</link>
		<comments>https://www.irepas.com/?p=6140#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 07 Feb 2025 16:10:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Irepas</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press Releases]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Algeria]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Badische]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[billet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bulgaria]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[China]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Europe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[European Union]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Feralpi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Outlook]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Protectionism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rebar]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Riva]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Romania]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[scrap]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trump]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Turkey]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[USA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Van Merksteijn]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wire rod]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.irepas.com/?p=6140</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Global longs market under very strong pressure from Chinese exports, Trump 2.0 brings uncertainty and volatility The global long steel products market is currently under very strong pressure mainly because of Chinese exports, which have been increasing and not showing any signs of slowing down. We have already seen what Trump 2.0 means &#8211; uncertainty, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Global longs market under very strong pressure from Chinese exports, Trump 2.0 brings uncertainty and volatility</strong><strong></strong></p>
<p>The global long steel products market is currently under very strong pressure mainly because of Chinese exports, which have been increasing and not showing any signs of slowing down. We have already seen what Trump 2.0 means &#8211; uncertainty, volatility and a lack of visibility. It seems like the situation will get even worse until the dust settles and his goals are clearly understood. So far, Trump’s announcements have given rise to concerns about inflation, which will slow down interest rate cuts.</p>
<p><strong>US long steel and construction segments waiting for the dust to settle</strong><strong></strong></p>
<p>The market in the US has entered a waiting period in terms of the outcome of some of the decisions already made by the White House and others under consideration and delayed for further negotiations. New infrastructure projects are on hold, amid the government freeze on spending. Interest rates have not come down and there is no clear sign for the near future, thus delaying many projects and also purchases by would-be home buyers. Labor shortages in the construction sector are becoming a near certainty, causing delays and higher costs for construction developments. Domestic rebar producers are reluctant to increase prices for another 30 days, until there is certainty regarding the duties on Mexico. They are generally competing with each other rather than with imports, which are very light.</p>
<p><strong>All eyes still on China</strong><strong></strong></p>
<p>On the other hand, the real determining factor for rest of the world other than the US is China, simply because the US is now a separate world for the global steel market.  We all need to wait and see what China’s policy in the current year will be: will they continue with steel exports of over 100 million mt or will they slow down to help the global market to stabilize?</p>
<p><strong>EU mills locked in cycle of low demand and high costs</strong><strong></strong></p>
<p>The EU steel market is suffering from continuing low demand for long products, with European mills locked in a cycle of poor demand and high costs. The construction market in most EU countries is still very slow due to seasonal reasons but also in general due to much less demand from investors. In this context, the merger of Badische and Van Merksteijn will certainly have an impact in terms of consolidation. Meanwhile, energy prices in Europe are once again at levels not seen since 2022. The cold winter and the shortage of base load in Germany have pushed electricity and gas prices to their highest levels of the last three years, at least until the end of spring. These higher costs will force long steel producers in the EU to increase prices and to shut down more capacities in 2025. Feralpi seemed to have stopped production completely in January, while Riva Germany officially announced shutdowns to run from January 1 to March 30.</p>
<p><strong>EU’s long steel import quotas quickly exhausted at start of year</strong><strong></strong></p>
<p>The EU’s import quota for “all other countries” was exhausted on day two or three at the start of the year, with the huge volumes which were imported by Bulgaria and Romania. This means there will not be more imports from “all other countries”. Turkey and Algeria are mostly not competitive enough to attract EU importers. The price increases announced by German and Italian mills have not yet been accepted by the market but they probably will be as soon as benders have to restock, especially given the current euro/US dollar exchange rate. The very strong US dollar is another factor keeping prices low in the international market.</p>
<p><strong>Protectionism is the new magic word, consumers to lose out</strong><strong></strong></p>
<p>Protectionism seems to be the new magic word for economies worldwide. The markets are running into a spiral of protectionism in which everybody will lose out, especially the middle-class consumers and industries.</p>
<p><strong>Longs mills forced to cut outputs, low profits make environmental targets unattainable</strong><strong></strong></p>
<p>Mills in the long steel products market are forced to lower their capacity utilization rates, which will negatively affect their cost of production. There is a chain reaction of displaced export capacities due to Chinese exports. The steel industry is also suffering from a lack of profits, that makes it impossible to achieve net zero commitments.</p>
<p><strong>Current market very difficult to operate in, outlook very unpredictable and unstable</strong></p>
<p>Under these circumstances, the current status of the market can be described as unstable and very difficult to operate in. The outlook for the next quarter is very unpredictable and unstable.</p>
<p><strong><em> </em></strong><strong></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>DO YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE? </em></strong><strong> </strong><strong></strong></p>
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		<title>IREPAS in Istanbul: Uncertainty prevails in slow market with weak demand</title>
		<link>https://www.irepas.com/?p=5888&#038;utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=irepas-in-istanbul-uncertainty-prevails-in-slow-market-with-weak-demand</link>
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		<pubDate>Tue, 19 Sep 2023 18:01:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Irepas</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[89th IREPAS meeting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Algeria]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ASEAN]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Baysal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[billet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Björkman]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CBAM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cebecioglu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Central America]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[China]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Egypt]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Europe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[European Union]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[GCC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[iron ore]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[istanbul]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Protectionism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[quota]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rebar]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Russia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[safeguard]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[scrap]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Section 232]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[South America]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SteelOrbis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Turkey]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[USA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wire rod]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[The 89th meeting of IREPAS (the International Rebar Exporters and Producers Association) was held in Istanbul on September 17-19, marking the 40th anniversary of the foundation of the association, in conjunction with the SteelOrbis Fall ’23 Conference. There were 217 representatives from 61 different producers among the 783 registered delegates from a total of 59 [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong></strong>The 89th meeting of IREPAS (the International Rebar Exporters and Producers Association) was held in Istanbul on September 17-19, marking the 40th anniversary of the foundation of the association, in conjunction with the SteelOrbis Fall ’23 Conference. There were 217 representatives from 61 different producers among the 783 registered delegates from a total of 59 different countries. There were also 105 registrations representing 55 different raw material suppliers.</p>
<p>At the opening of the conference, Murat Cebecioglu, chairman of IREPAS, emphasized that the global long products market has been slowing down in general, which is putting pressure on producers. He added that demand for reinforcing bars and wire rods remains very weak and there is strong pressure on prices from the new exporters who are in the market with very aggressive offers and who are not subject to antidumping or countervailing duty measures so far.</p>
<p>The IREPAS chairman said protectionism still prevails as the EU has extended its safeguard measures for another year, which is clear proof that world trade is no longer as it was defined by the Uruguay Round and will continue with its current protectionist structure, which will exert pressure on developing countries. He also added that the CBAM in the EU will replace the current safeguard measures in the region within 12 months.</p>
<p>On the last day of the conference, producers of long steel products, as well as traders and raw material suppliers, shared the conclusions reached at their special committee meetings regarding the current situation in the markets with the general participants at the event.</p>
<p><strong>Raw Material Suppliers at IREPAS: Situation in China exerts huge impact on global market</strong><strong></strong></p>
<p>Jens Björkman, the chairman of the raw material suppliers committee, stated that construction activities in China were slowing down, while steel production remained at high levels despite government restrictions, which has increased the demand for iron ore in the country. The high levels of steel production in China lead to an increase in its exports, negatively impacting the global market. He added that steel production in the country is expected to be cut during the winter season, which may provide a bright spot for the global market going forward, especially for Turkey which is struggling to compete with China’s competitive prices. Noting that the Chinese economy has been struggling for a while, Björkman said that the recent monetary policy easing and stimulus measures in the country to boost the real estate and steel industries will not be enough to boost demand and prices in China.</p>
<p>Looking at Turkey, commenting that domestic production rates are slower than last year due to difficulties such as the high inflation and the hike in interest rates which Turkish mills are facing, he noted that the industry continues to generate demand. However, the production costs from energy are expected to decline, which would positively impact steel production rates.</p>
<p>Focusing on scrap, noting that the US, which still outperforms the rest of the world in economic and business terms, keeps generating decent scrap volumes, while the EU will continue to generate low volumes of scrap, the chairman of the raw material suppliers committee stated that the rising volumes of ex-US scrap supply to Asia were supported by lower container freight rates.</p>
<p><strong>Traders at IREPAS: EU may adjust quotas amid higher long product imports</strong><strong></strong></p>
<p>F. D. Baysal, the chairman of the traders committee, stated that the situation has changed dramatically in the EU steel market due to high interest rates, while investments in construction and consequently steel demand and prices have moved down considerably. Stressing that the EU protects its steel market with safeguard measures, he stated that increased long product imports do not carry as much risk as the surge in flat product imports. He said that the EU may tighten future quota allocations for ‘other countries’ as the long product exports of Egypt and Algeria into the region have increased. In addition, the chairman of the traders committee stated that the subsidies provided under &#8220;decarbonization targets&#8221; will continue to increase in the  EU, which evaluates the governmental support in the other countries as unfair.Continuing with China, he stated that Chinese steel mills have not reduced steel production in accordance with government restrictions, raising concerns for global suppliers, as China’s exports will increase if its production cannot be utilized domestically. Even though he said he does not believe that Chinese mills will cut production, he added that, if they do so, it will not affect scrap imports but will reduce iron ore demand as 90 percent of the country’s steel production is blast furnace-based.</p>
<p>Noting that the EU continues to put pressure on Russian products with sanctions, Baysal stated that Turkey’s rebar exports have decreased as the country cannot use sanctioned Russian billets to produce products for shipment overseas. Russian billet was at first used in the reconstruction of the earthquake-hit zone in southern Turkey, while now the region’s needs are supplied by domestic production. Noting that Turkey has lost most of its traditional steel export markets, the chairman of the traders committee said that the Turkish industry needs government support as the mills are facing the US Section 232 tariffs and the EU’s safeguard measures.</p>
<p><strong>Producers at IREPAS: Longs market is slowing down amid weak demand </strong><strong></strong></p>
<p>Murat Cebecioglu, chairman of IREPAS and also chairman of the producers committee, stated that the long steel market has been slowing down amid weak demand which is putting immense pressure on prices. He talked about the general situation in the market, pointing out that previous importers such as Egypt, the GCC and Algeria have now become exporters. Since these countries are not subject to protectionist measures for the time being, they are exporting anywhere they can, especially claiming the market share of <a href="https://www.steelorbis.com/steel-news/latest-news/turkey">Turkey</a>, which is being squeezed by protectionism all over the place, he noted.</p>
<p>Focusing on the Turkish market, Mr. Cebecioglu said there are many unknowns for the future, while protectionism in particular is a big issue for <a href="https://www.steelorbis.com/steel-news/latest-news/turkey">Turkey</a> whose exports are hindered by Canada, the EU and the US. “There are only a few markets left where there is demand and everybody is focusing on those markets,” the IREPAS chairman said. Regarding the Turkish government’s change of monetary policy and starting to raise interest rates, he indicated that this gives hope to the market, though he went on to say that the local market is doing alright, but this will depend on whether the government will continue to increase interest rates.</p>
<p>With <a href="https://www.steelorbis.com/steel-news/latest-news/turkey">Turkey</a> facing some difficulties such as the energy crisis, high production costs and inflation, Mr. Cebecioğlu said that electricity prices are a major factor for Turkish mills and, compared to oil and gas-rich countries, competing has become impossible for <a href="https://www.steelorbis.com/steel-news/latest-news/turkey">Turkey</a>. Replying to a question about possible steps by the government to support the Turkish steel industry, the producers committee chairman pointed out that, under today’s economic conditions, subsidization also leads to another problem, namely, countervailing measures.</p>
<p>Commenting on the <a href="https://www.steelorbis.com/steel-news/latest-news/longs">longs</a> and semi-finished imports from the ASEAN region, Cebecioğlu said that ASEAN-based mills have been exporting all around the world including to destinations such as Central America, the EU and South America, adding that, together with the newcomers, they have taken all of <a href="https://www.steelorbis.com/steel-news/latest-news/turkey">Turkey</a>’s market shares.</p>
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		<title>Short Range Outlook : August 2023</title>
		<link>https://www.irepas.com/?p=5859&#038;utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=short-range-outlook-august-2023</link>
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		<pubDate>Mon, 07 Aug 2023 22:35:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Irepas</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Algeria]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[antidumping (AD)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[China]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Egypt]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Europe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[European Union]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[freight]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Latin America]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MENA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[North America]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Outlook]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Protectionism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rebar]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Russia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[safeguard]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sanction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Saudi Arabia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[scrap]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Turkey]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[UAE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ukraine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[US Fed]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[USA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wire rod]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[General slowdown in global longs market puts producers under pressure  The global long steel products market is slowing down in general, which is putting pressure on producers. Demand for reinforcing bars and wire rods remains very weak and there is strong pressure on prices from the new exporters &#8211; Algeria, Egypt, the UAE and Saudi [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>General slowdown in global longs market puts producers under pressure</strong><strong> </strong></p>
<p>The global long steel products market is slowing down in general, which is putting pressure on producers. Demand for reinforcing bars and wire rods remains very weak and there is strong pressure on prices from the new exporters &#8211; Algeria, Egypt, the UAE and Saudi Arabia &#8211; who are in the market with very aggressive offers.</p>
<p><strong>Business still stagnant in US, high interest rates a major factor </strong></p>
<p>Business in the US is still stagnant. Demand has slowed down and supply is the same, putting pressure on prices. High interest rates constitute the biggest factor in the slowdown of both commercial and residential construction. The US Federal Reserve’s efforts to keep inflation under control are working, while slowing down the economy. Flat steel prices are still under pressure, with flats mainly supplied from domestic sources.</p>
<p><strong>Non-traditional sources active in exports, Turkey struggles due to trade measures </strong></p>
<p>Exports are only active from non-traditional sources like Algeria and Egypt, which are subject to no antidumping or countervailing duty measures so far. Turkey has been unfairly hit with high antidumping duty, when one mill honored a contract made before the Ukrainian war and delivered as pledged, even after the surge in prices. All Turkish mills (except one) were conveniently painted with the same brush.</p>
<p><strong>New US and EU measures target Russian exports of semis and raw materials </strong></p>
<p>It seems that the situation in Ukraine will be a never-ending story. However, the new restrictions to be introduced by the US and the EU will create more complications for producers who import Russian semis and raw materials and export their goods to the US and the EU, namely, Turkey and Egypt. The EU is already demanding a declaration from producers confirming no Russian input for goods that are shipped into the EU. US officials are paying visits to individual companies explaining the risks of not cutting ties with Russia. We will witness more circumvention cases in the coming period. The halting of Russian steel imports in six weeks’ time into the EU should have a significant impact. It is difficult to prevail in defensive cases, which may cause Turkey to strongly reduce imports from Russia.</p>
<p><strong>US and EU to produce less steel in 2023 than in 2022 </strong></p>
<p>Both the US and the EU will produce less steel in 2023 than in 2022.  In the US, flat product output is down five percent year to date, while domestic long product output is down even more.</p>
<p><strong>Europe very quiet due to holidays, private sector investors lack confidence </strong></p>
<p>Europe has been very quiet over the last few weeks due to the holidays. Prices are very flat and there are no signs of improvement in sight. The main reason is low activity and low ordering from the market. Mills are fighting for every ton which is available. Overcapacities in the EU are preventing mills from raising prices. Imports are practically non-existent right now as one can see from the safeguard import statistics. All EU countries are trying to avoid a recession by injecting money into the economy, but the private sector is afraid due to all the uncertainties surrounding energy prices, interest rates and additional burdens which may come from Brussels in relation to CO2 emissions. All these uncertainties are holding the private sector back from investing.</p>
<p><strong>Strong domestic construction in Russia restrains its exports </strong></p>
<p>Russia is experiencing strong growth in its domestic construction sector and so it is not so hungry for exports.</p>
<p><strong>Stimulus packages in China have no impact on its exports</strong><strong> </strong></p>
<p>So far, all stimulus packages introduced in China have had no impact on exports that affects global steel prices. China’s BOFs are working at over 90 percent capacity utilization and EAFs at under 50 percent.</p>
<p><strong>Scrap demand falls amid reduced steel outputs, scrap prices hold firm </strong></p>
<p>Slowing production has also led to lower ferrous scrap demand. European demand is expected to contract in the coming quarter. Although demand is slowing down for scrap also, inflows are dropping for scrap traders. Availability is low and this is exerting pressure on recyclers to get material to their yards and shredders. Scrap prices are still holding firm, mainly because suppliers are much more organized. They may stay around the mid-$300s/mt unless demand for reinforcing bar falls further. India seems to have a weak domestic market, but, on the other hand, it is paying top bucks for scrap, which supports scrap at the mid-$300s/mt.</p>
<p><strong>Some new projects in Europe, Turkey and S. Arabia to provide support </strong></p>
<p>There are a number of projects coming on stream in Europe and Turkey. There is also the NEOM city project in Saudi Arabia, with demand for a huge quantity of reinforcing bars which is supposed to come on stream shortly.</p>
<p><strong>Freight costs lower but still higher than before pandemic, clean energy an issue for steel sector </strong></p>
<p>Raw material prices are softening a little and shipping prices are coming down but are still higher than pre-pandemic prices. New policies on carbon emission limitations and clean energy will be a problem for the steel industry in the future. Ironically, a lot of Chinese “clean” energy technology is made in factories using coal-powered electricity. Clean energy technology should come from clean supply chains, though cheap Chinese inputs such as polysilicon for solar panels and critical minerals for batteries are often made or extracted by cheap labor in other parts of the world.</p>
<p><strong>US still a locomotive of the global economy </strong></p>
<p>The US economy and US industrial orders are still the locomotive of the global economy. Electricity prices have also lessened since last year’s fluctuations. Inflation no longer seems a threat and in general autumn is expected to be better than the first seven months of 2023.</p>
<p><strong>International competition weak amid low prices and high logistics costs </strong></p>
<p>International competition in the market is weak because prices are so low that logistics are killing trade. There is almost no international competition. Otherwise, the competition is for volumes, not to increase them or simply to keep them stable, but rather to limit the slide in volumes as much as possible. Imports are dropping in North America and the EU, which of course affects the MENA region and Latin America.</p>
<p><strong>Current market status unstable, outlook unsatisfactory except for scrap suppliers </strong></p>
<p>Under these circumstances, the current status of the market can be described as unstable and unpredictable. The outlook for the next quarter is mostly unstable and unsatisfactory, except for ferrous scrap suppliers.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em><strong>DO YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE? </strong></em><strong> </strong></p>
<p><em><strong>PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT AND SHARE YOUR OPINION WITH US</strong></em><strong> </strong></p>
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		<title>Short Range Outlook : February 2023</title>
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		<pubDate>Thu, 09 Feb 2023 12:08:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Irepas</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Press Releases]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Algeria]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[antidumping (AD)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Asia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CBAM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[China]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[counterveiling (CVD)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[COVID-19]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[earthquake]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Egypt]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Europe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[GCC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Germany]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Indonesia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Latin America]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Malaysia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[North America]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Outlook]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Protectionism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[quota]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rebar]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Russia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[scrap]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Section 232]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Southeast Asia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tunisia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Turkey]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[USA]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Unpredictability persists in global longs market, recession fears may have been exaggerated The global long steel products market is still characterized by unpredictability. China’s impact on the global markets is still an open question and this contributes to the unpredictability for the second quarter. It seems that customers heard too much talk of recession last [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Unpredictability persists in global longs market, recession fears may have been exaggerated</strong></p>
<p>The global long steel products market is still characterized by unpredictability. China’s impact on the global markets is still an open question and this contributes to the unpredictability for the second quarter. It seems that customers heard too much talk of recession last year and were convinced that all construction would stop in 2023. Actually, it looks like Europe managed to avoid recession in 2022 and even in January Germany showed economic growth. Core inflation is going down and the situation looks much better than expected in Europe and the US.</p>
<p><strong>European market still extremely quiet after the holiday period</strong></p>
<p>The European market is extremely quiet since all clients have just come back from the holidays. Mills are not able find customers as they had all bought their requirements by the end of November in order not to be taken by surprise in the new year. New private housing projects in Germany have almost fallen to zero. The high costs of products combined with 8-10 percent inflation and consequent higher mortgage rates in addition to the lack of workers have made calculations unpredictable for investors. Moreover, the government has reduced funding for social housing despite its declared goal of building 400,000 apartments every year. Last year, they reached approximately 50 percent of that goal and for this year the expectation is even significantly less. On the other hand, public and industrial projects are still fine, but increasing costs, bureaucracy and appeals against every new big project of whatever nature as well as the lack of labour force delays for almost every one of them.</p>
<p><strong>Overcapacity in EU cut and bend sector, price rises difficult, imports coming from N. Africa</strong></p>
<p>Overcapacity prevails in the cut and bend industry in the EU. But instead of slimming down, market players bid for every deal even if they speculate on a price drop of €100/mt. The behaviour of a few players is pulling the whole market down and still leaves no room for producers to increase prices. There are imports of wire rods coming to Europe, but instead of Asia they are now arriving from North African countries like Algeria, Egypt and Tunisia. The volumes are enough to keep the market prices suppressed. At the same time, however, the EU import quotas are in general not approaching anything like maximum utilization.</p>
<p><strong>Situation in North America quickly becomes positive</strong></p>
<p>The situation in North America has become positive very quickly and business in the US market is stable. Most of the sales are closed by domestic mills, due to the very competitive prices offered, and also as almost all new infrastructure projects have a “Buy America” clause. Steel mills have had an uptick in orders at somewhat higher prices, which have mostly been driven by scrap price increases. Turkish buying ahead of the January buy-week helped drive up scrap prices in the US. US ports are still congested, making imports even more cumbersome. Whether real hard consumption will also provide support is an open question. The mills in the US are saying that infrastructure consumption increases are yet to come, starting in the second half of the year.  Imports are priced at levels which do not support a switch from domestic products to imports, while lead times are also “normal” for domestic materials.</p>
<p><strong>Question mark remains over demand in Latin America amid political instability</strong><strong></strong></p>
<p>Elsewhere in the Americas, in general the good news is fewer aggressive offers from Southeast Asia for all products. Meanwhile, there is still a big question mark over demand in Latin America due to the political instability in several countries in the region. Some traditionally non-exporting countries in Latin America have started to look to the international market in the past few months.</p>
<p><strong>All Turkish mills are struggling to export</strong></p>
<p>Currently, all mills in Turkey are struggling to export. Strong competition from Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Malaysia and Indonesia and offers heard from GCC countries are making it very difficult for Turkish mills to export. Of course, on top of all that, protectionist measures such as quotas, Section 232, normal values and AD/CVD rates make exports almost impossible. Increased energy costs and higher scrap prices are also putting pressure on prices and make it difficult for Turkey to compete.</p>
<p><strong>Devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria also hit steel sector in Iskenderun</strong></p>
<p>Devastating earthquakes hit southeastern Turkey and northern Syria on February 6. The fire which damaged Iskenderun port will hamper trade from the region. Following the natural disaster, market players will have to wait and see, but in the very short term mills in the Iskenderun area are not receiving energy for their production activities.</p>
<p><strong>Raw material and scrap prices rise after New Year holiday, demand rebounds strongly</strong></p>
<p>Raw material costs are very high and scrap prices rose unexpectedly after the New Year holiday. Another important factor is that scrap prices in Russia went up and for the first time in a long while Russian mills are not aggressive in exports. January indeed saw a strong demand rebound for raw materials. This was led primarily by China, which dramatically removed its remaining Covid restrictions and also stimulated its economy.</p>
<p><strong>Stronger production rates in January as recession seems to have been avoided</strong></p>
<p>While the markets had been optimizing for recession with low inventories and lower production rates towards the end of last year, January saw stronger production rates as an energy-induced recession seemed to have been avoided. Energy prices fell as well as logistics costs. Buying activity was much stronger as inventories were depleted and had to be reprogrammed for stronger production rates. Both of these factors on top of decent demand levels contributed to rebounding raw material prices. Europe looks much better than previously expected. Also, energy in storage is at high levels, while the weather has been fairly mild.</p>
<p><strong>Temporary absence of Chinese export offers amid local market improvement</strong><strong></strong></p>
<p>China is back from its New Year holidays, and so there is some activity. The small signs of an improvement in the Chinese market have led to a temporary absence of its offers from the international market. Furthermore, energy and logistics costs have declined a little, providing some relief to many players in the market.</p>
<p><strong>German and European domestic prices equal to or lower than import prices</strong><strong></strong></p>
<p>In Europe, German domestic and other European prices are lower or equal to import prices. Imports are almost at a standstill as can be seen from the utilization of quotas. As there are almost no imports, this leaves room for domestic mills to raise their prices as soon as seasonal demand picks up.</p>
<p><strong>Competition again becomes more regional </strong><strong></strong></p>
<p>Following the aggressive presence of Asian countries in export markets at the end of 2022, it is reasonable to say that competition has once again become more regional. However, there is still strong competition for Turkish producers as there are not many places where they can sell their products.</p>
<p><strong>Current status of market still unstable and fluctuating</strong><strong></strong></p>
<p>The current status of the market is still unstable and fluctuating. No one can predict the level of raw material and energy costs going forward this year. Plans may change instantly.</p>
<p><strong>EU’s CBAM to start to have an impact later this year</strong><strong></strong></p>
<p>Another aspect which importers in to the EU market must face shortly is the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Although there is still some time before it will be a real cost factor, the bureaucratic hurdles will start in October this year.</p>
<p><strong>Market outlook remains unpredictable and challenging</strong><strong></strong></p>
<p>Under the above circumstances, the outlook for the global steel long products market is unpredictable and challenging, though everything points out to a market turn any time soon, at least in the EU.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em><strong>DO YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE?</strong></em><em> </em></p>
<p><em><strong>PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT AND SHARE YOUR OPINION WITH US</strong></em></p>
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