There were 123 representatives from 49 different producers among the 406 registered delegates from a total of 56 different countries. There were also 79 registrations representing 41 different raw material suppliers.

At the opening of the conference, Murat Cebecioglu, chairman of IREPAS, said that demand is still very weak in the global longs market and the situation remains difficult as mills are cutting back on production and protectionist measures are continuing full speed ahead, while China and other countries in Asia are exporting a lot, putting pressure on prices.

The IREPAS chairman added that there is very severe competition in the market, and every producer is fighting with its last penny in order to keep operating.

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.

Raw Material Suppliers at IREPAS: Global trade conditions are “devastating” due to uncertainty

Jens Björkman, the chairman of the raw material suppliers committee, said that, in the recent period, global trade conditions have been extremely difficult, describing the situation as “devastating” amid the current uncertainty. Pointing out that trade barriers and uncertainties continue to weigh heavily on the market, particularly with the US tariffs forcing some countries to find alternative destinations, he added that this shift has created pressure on other markets, including Turkey. Regarding the protectionism in the market, he stated that there are rumors that the EU will impose some duties on Asian materials due to the huge inflows of cheaper steel from the region. Meanwhile, noting that China, which is the main exporter of cheap steel, has signaled plans to reduce steel production and exports in 2025 and 2026, albeit the actual outcome remains uncertain, he said that, in the longer term, larger investments in EAF-based production are expected, supported by stable electricity supply and growing domestic scrap availability. China has also announced a cut of about 90 million metric tons in its steel production in 2025.

Highlighting that the planned green transition in the steel industry is increasingly being questioned, with many investments being cancelled and projects being delayed, Mr. Björkman stated that the EU’s move toward electric furnace-based production has now been postponed by at least three to four years. He underlined that, if carbon emission trading in Europe and the related pricing system are fully implemented, emission reduction technologies will need to be installed more widely. However, he said that, instead of hydrogen-based DRI, natural gas could be used in the short term. In addition, the raw materials committee chairman said EU waste shipment regulations treating scrap as waste will create more bureaucracy, especially for non-OECD countries needing formal approvals to buy European scrap, while OECD trade remains unaffected. Regarding the concerns over domestic scrap oversupply, he stated that Europe already faces excess supply overall, but certain grades like clean automotive scrap could face shortages. This imbalance, he explained, is why EU steel producers push to keep scrap within Europe.

Looking at Turkey, Björkman noted that the recent increase in freight costs has become a burden for suppliers, leading prices to increase slightly in Turkey, though how long this situation will last remains difficult to predict. Regarding the changes in Turkey’s inward processing regime, the committee chairman stated that Turkish mills, who are already struggling amid high costs, may become less competitive in the short term as scrap prices may increase slightly, leading the mills to reduce production.

Meanwhile, stating that raw material demand in the GCC market is expected to focus more on DRI/HBI, which remains limited in supply, he emphasized that larger volumes will be needed in Europe to support flat steel production and the green transition, though a mix of DRI/HBI and scrap is likely to be used.

Traders at IREPAS: Protectionist measures will continue for foreseeable future

F.D. Baysal, the chairman of the traders committee, said that China’s exports have increased at a much higher pace than its production. He stated that there are no expectations for production cuts in China and that its domestic stock levels remain at normal levels. In response to questions on how China is reacting to trade barriers, he explained that Chinese producers have begun investing in production facilities in other regions, including Africa and South America.

Looking at Turkey, Mr. Baysal said that the high cost of energy remains a key challenge for Turkish mills. He noted that, in order to save energy and comply with CBAM regulations, Turkish producers have started investing in solar and renewable energy sources, which are expected to reduce production costs. Meanwhile, saying that there are no clear plans in the EU to ease green transition requirements, though delays remain a possibility, he commented that CBAM will eventually be enforced, but significant work is still needed to establish reference levels for both European and overseas mills. He added that, despite uncertainties, European producers are already moving from blast furnaces to EAFs and investing in renewable energy sources such as solar to balance costs and meet future carbon requirements.

Commenting on protectionist measures, the committee chairman stated that the Trump administration’s tariffs, reaching 75-100 percent in some cases, have nearly halted steel imports into the US, while Canada and Mexico have also imposed strong protective measures, leaving the North American market heavily restricted. Stating that he believes that protectionist measures will continue for the foreseeable future, Baysal said that further barriers against cheaper Asian steel are likely, but stressed that free trade remains the best option, though current trends are moving in the opposite direction.

Regarding prices, he highlighted that the current spread between rebar and scrap prices stands at around $200 or slightly less. He suggested that this points to a likely regression in scrap prices. He also compared production methods, stating that blast furnaces currently hold a cost advantage of about $25/mt over electric arc furnaces as the latter depend on electricity prices, though these are lower in countries like the US. On freight, Baysal noted that container freight rates have come down from post-Covid highs of around $4,000 to about $1,200, adding that he does not expect them to fall further.

Producers at IREPAS: Chinese exports and protectionism squeeze global steel industry

Murat Cebecioglu, chairman of IREPAS and also chairman of the producers committee, said that, as demand is very limited, everybody is trying to protect what is theirs. “We can sell to the EU only once every three months because of the quota and it fills up as soon as the quota is opened. Because of China we cannot sell to many places. Chinese exports are hurting everyone,” he explained. The committee chairman pointed out that China is the main driver, exporting heavily at low prices, exerting pressure everywhere amid generally limited demand. Many countries are imposing protective measures not only on China but also on some other Asian countries, considering that the Chinese are quick to move their production elsewhere to avoid trade barriers.

Regarding Turkish mills’ capacity utilization rates, Mr. Cebecioglu pointed out that, under current market conditions, utilization rates are not at decent levels and, with protectionist measures still in place, Turkey has limited space to export, with only a few countries left, and competition is very tough in those countries. He also added that the countries to which Turkey used to export have become exporters themselves and this affects Turkish production in return. Turkey’s steel production capacity stands at around 60 million mt, but the country is currently producing just 38 million mt. In addition to trade measures, China is exporting heavily all around the world and, as it is difficult to give low prices to compete with the Chinese, in the end Turkish mills have to cut production, he remarked.

Commenting on China’s work plan for the steel industry in 2025-26, the IREPAS chairman underlined that the Chinese are always coming up with some kind of plan, but it is yet to be seen how much of it will be implemented and how they will proceed. This work plan, he noted, consists of many things; regulations, environmental constraints, shutting of inefficient mills, and technological upgrading for green steel and low carbon production. In the end, future competition will depend on being cleaner, he stressed. He also commented that, if this Chinese work plan goes through, it will mean that there will be export regulations, leaving room for Turkish mills to breath.

Talking about the mega projects in the GCC region, Cebecioglu said that demand is quite good in the region and GCC-based mills are also exporting to the EU and North African countries, where they are very competitive against the Turkish mills. As GCC mills have lower costs compared to Turkish mills, they have the upper hand in prices in terms of costs.

There were 143 representatives from 49 different producers among the 502 registered delegates from a total of 58 different countries. There were also 97 registrations representing 50 different raw material suppliers.

At the opening of the conference, Murat Cebecioglu, chairman of IREPAS, said that the global long steel products market is currently overwhelmed by a spiral of duties and trade measures and protectionism such as has never been experienced before. He stated that the recently created uncertainties in the market on top of the already existing problems, the markets are now somewhat lost.

The IREPAS chairman added that the current environment is not bright and the level of competition in the global market is very strong, being almost at maximum levels.

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.

Raw Material Suppliers at IREPAS: Challenging year ahead, market will be much slower in H2

Jens Björkman, the chairman of the raw material suppliers committee, noted that the EU steel industry has started the year quite well, though steel production in the region was low in the first quarter. He highlighted that the new German government is expected to ease the pressure from the uncertainties on the market, which may boost steel production. Noting that the green transition in the EU seems to be postponed, indicating that there seems to be no viable transition until at least 2030, he stated that a lot of mills in the EU will start shifting from the blast furnace route to the electric arc furnace route in the next five to 10 years and there will be uneven demand for scrap until that time. Addressing the scrap export restriction plans in the EU, he stated that, as scrap demand is low in the region now, any restrictions would put pressure on the steel industry but may also lead to more bureaucratized trade between scrap generators and steelmakers.

Regarding the Trump administration’s tariff actions, the chairman of the raw material suppliers committee stated that, in the first few months this year, sales to the US were at enormous levels as a new tariff was anticipated. Noting that EU-based mills were running at high capacity to export to the US before the implementation of new measures, he said he believes that the market will be much slower in the second half of this year. He added that Trump’s second term will be much different than his first term. In addition, he expressed the belief that, despite the actions taken by the US, Canada and Mexico will not impose tax on steel exports to the US as the US is their biggest trade partner and a restriction would hurt their own industries.

Björkman stated that iron ore prices have been fluctuating at around $100/mt CFR, compared to $89/mt CFR seen in September 2024, due to higher production at the end of last year and early this year. He noted that, if China lowers steel production and the general output of iron ore increases, these two factors together will result in lower iron ore prices.

Traders at IREPAS: No reduction in US tariffs expected, trade conditions remain challenging

F. D. Baysal, the chairman of the traders committee, stated that, although the US imposing new 25 percent tariffs on imports from the countries previously exempted from the Section 232 measures seems like an advantage for the countries such as Egypt and Turkey which were already subject to 25 percent tariffs, only 18 percent of total imports into the US was from the Section 232-paying countries and 82 percent was from the exempted countries. He added that, despite the advantages some countries will gain, there will be no improvement in the market conditions given the economic uncertainties and the general market slowdown. Also, he said he believes that there will be no reduction in the US tariffs.

Looking at the EU, he said there have been some reductions in the import quota volumes, resulting in more challenging trade conditions. Considering the increased sales of wire rod and HRC over the past quarter from the ASEAN region to the EU, Mr. Baysal noted that, even though there are some restrictions on certain ASEAN countries, the EU is now more open to those countries compared to its old traditional markets given the free trade agreements between the EU and some Southeast Asian countries.

Mr Baysal added that he foresees no reduction in China’s exports and capacity utilization going forward.

Producers at IREPAS: Markets in unknown territory because of tariffs

Murat Cebecioğlu, chairman of IREPAS and also chairman of the producers committee, pointed out that the hot topic during the producers committee meeting was tariffs and their effect on business, adding that this is completely unknown territory and that nobody has any idea where things are headed at the moment, which makes it very difficult to conduct business.

He said that, as the Chinese domestic market is not doing so well, China will still be the main factor depressing prices as it is heavily dependent on exports and its prices are quite low compared to those of other exporters. He went on to say that the stimulus package is not helping much at the moment to boost to market, which is why China is selling billet to countries like Turkey and many other countries.

The IREPAS chairman noted that, as billet is a competitive alternative to scrap in terms of price, particularly Turkish mills will keep buying billet, adding that, as long as prices are at the current levels buying billets is much more profitable, even though the lead times from Asia are two to three times longer.

Commenting on the GCC shifting from being an importer to being an exporter, Mr. Cebecioğlu said that the reason they are exporting is that they have overcapacity, and are selling to the EU, especially Germany, and to North Africa and Israel. He indicated that the answer to the question on whether their exports will continue depends on how infrastructure projects will take shape in the region in the coming period and how much of that demand the local market can absorb: otherwise, they will continue to export.

19:00 – 22:00                   Welcome cocktail at Athenaeum InterContinental Athens Hotel

Day 2: Monday, April 28, 2025

09:15 – 09:30                  Welcome address by Chairman of IREPAS

09:30 – 10:50                   SESSION ONE – Critical changes in the global long steel markets and macroeconomic overview

- Long products market outlook

Alexander Gordienko, Export Director, Celsa Group

- Macroeconomic Overview

Nikos Vettas, Professor, Athens University of Economics and Business / General Director, Foundation for Economic and Industrial Research

10:50 – 11:20                     Networking break

11:20 – 13:00                    SESSION TWO – Major factors effecting the markets

- Chinese steel market outlook

Su Changyong, Vice Chairman, Metallurgical Council of CCPIT / Deputy Secretary General, CISA / President, Metallurgical Industry Press

- Trump’s trade policy and EU reactions: what lies ahead for steel trade?

Matthew Nolan, Counsel, ArentFox Schiff LLP

Nikolay Mizulin, Partner and Co-leader of International Trade, Mayer Brown

Bulent Hacioglu, Managing Partner, Trade Resources Company

- The next phase of CBAM: preparing for 2026 and beyond

Jamie Mcleod, Senior Manager, Customs, Crowe U.K. LLP

13:00 – 14:30                    Networking lunch

14:30 – 16:30                    IREPAS Committee Meetings

• 14:30 – 16:30 IREPAS Producers Committee (by invitation only)
• 14:30 – 16:30 IREPAS Raw Material Suppliers Committee (by invitation only)
• 14:30 – 16:30 IREPAS Traders Committee (open to all attendees)

16:00 – 18:00                    Monday cocktail reception

Day 3: Tuesday, April 29, 2025

10:00 – 11:30                   SESSION THREE – Panel with Committee Chairmen

• IREPAS Producers Committee
• IREPAS Raw Material Suppliers Committee
• IREPAS Traders Committee

19:00 – 22:00                   Welcome cocktail at Marriott Rive Gauche Hotel Paris

Day 2: Monday, September 16, 2024

09:15 – 09:30                  Welcome address by Chairman of IREPAS

09:30 – 11:00                   SESSION ONE – Global markets and CBAM impact

- Latest developments in the global steel market and recent trends in steelmaking capacity

Luciano Giua, Economist/Policy Analyst, The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

- Navigating the EU CBAM: Financial impacts and strategies for cost mitigation

Louis Redshaw, Ceo/Founder, Redshaw Advisors Ltd

                                           SESSION TWO – ASEAN steelmarket outlook

Moderator: Anastasiia Kononenko, Head of Market Intelligence-Asian markets, SteelOrbis

Yeoh Wee Jin, Secretary General, South Asia Iron and Steel Institute (SEAISI)

11:00 – 11:30                     Networking break

11:30 – 12:30                    SESSION THREE – Macroeconomic overview

- Evaluation of economies – in EU, US, China globally

Wars and impacts of political crises
Predictions of possible scenarios for US elections

Daniel Gros, Professor, Bocconi University / Director, Bocconi University’s Institute for European Policy Making / Advisor, European Parliament

13:00 – 14:30                    Networking lunch

14:30 – 16:30                    IREPAS Committee Meetings

• 14:30 – 16:30 IREPAS Producers Committee (by invitation only)
• 14:30 – 16:30 IREPAS Raw Material Suppliers Committee (by invitation only)
• 14:30 – 16:30 IREPAS Traders Committee (open to all attendees)

16:00 – 18:00                    Monday cocktail reception

Day 3: Tuesday, September 17, 2024

10:00 – 11:30                   SESSION FOUR – Panel with Committee Chairmen

• IREPAS Producers Committee
• IREPAS Raw Material Suppliers Committee
• IREPAS Traders Committee

19:00 – 22:00                   Welcome cocktail at InterContinental Berlin

Day 2: Monday, April 29, 2024

09:00 – 09:15                  Welcome address by Chairman of IREPAS

09:15 – 09:45                   SESSION ONE – Critical changes in the global long steel markets

- Long products market outlook

• Overview of global construction sector
• Steel and long products consumption
• Rebar markets
• International price situation

Alexander Gordienko, Export Director, Celsa Group

09:45 – 10:40                  SESSION TWO – Macroeconomic overview

Ulrich Leuchtmann, Head of FX Research, Commerzbank AG

10:40 – 11:10                     Networking break

11:10 – 12:30                    SESSION THREE – Critical changes in the global long steel markets

- Chinese steel market outlook

Yuan Wenjiong, Chairman, Dao Fortune

- Indian steel market outlook

Somanath Tripathy, Executive Director(Materials Management), Rourkela Steel Plant, Steel Authority of India Limited

- Ukrainian economy and steel industry: current situation and outlook

• Current situation in Ukraine steel industry: production, capacities, shifts in trade
• Logistics and ports
• Redirection of trade flows
• Metinvest’s strategy under current conditions
• Prospects for Ukraine’s exports and imports

Roman Perepelytsia, Head of Strategy & Business Development, Metinvest Holding

12:30 – 14:30                    Networking lunch

14:30 – 16:30                    IREPAS Committee Meetings

• 14:30 – 16:30 IREPAS Producers Committee (by invitation only)
• 14:30 – 16:30 IREPAS Raw Material Suppliers Committee (by invitation only)
• 14:30 – 16:30 IREPAS Traders Committee (open to all attendees)

16:00 – 18:00                    Monday cocktail reception

Day 3: Tuesday, April 30, 2024

10:00 – 11:30                   SESSION FOUR – Panel with Committee Chairmen

• IREPAS Producers Committee
• IREPAS Raw Material Suppliers Committee
• IREPAS Traders Committee

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.

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.

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.

Raw Material Suppliers at IREPAS: Situation in China exerts huge impact on global market

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.

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.

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.

Traders at IREPAS: EU may adjust quotas amid higher long product imports

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 “decarbonization targets” 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.

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.

Producers at IREPAS: Longs market is slowing down amid weak demand 

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 Turkey, which is being squeezed by protectionism all over the place, he noted.

Focusing on the Turkish market, Mr. Cebecioglu said there are many unknowns for the future, while protectionism in particular is a big issue for Turkey 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.

With Turkey 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 Turkey. 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.

Commenting on the longs 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 Turkey’s market shares.

At the opening of the conference, Murat Cebecioglu, chairman of IREPAS, emphasized that the war in Ukraine has changed sentiment in the global long steel products market as well as fundamentally altering the flow of raw materials and finished products almost overnight, adding that the market is currently distorted.

The IREPAS chairman said the situation has created many new opportunities, but also major imbalances. He went on to explain that lately some oversupply has been observed here and there in the global long steel products market and added that Russian ferrous materials have been trading at a steep discount to other suppliers, with fewer destinations available.

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.

Raw Material Suppliers at IREPAS: A lot of challenges going forward, downside risks remain

Jens Björkman, chairman of the raw material suppliers committee, listed the factors affecting the steel and raw materials markets recently such as the pandemic, the semi-conductor shortage, the war in Ukraine, the shortages of raw materials and components, high inflation rates, monetary tightening and the impact of the zero-covid policy in China on growth, which have all contributed to a really shaky period, he noted. High inflationary pressure is also forcing the industry to slow down, while the idling of some plants is expected in the coming months at some steel-using producers, signaling negative developments in terms of demand. Mr. Björkman said that there are still pockets of supply shortages in the automotive sector, where production is not in line with demand, since, while demand is strong, production remains slow because of component shortages, and this in turn leads to a deficit in scrap generation. All of these factors indicate that there are a lot of challenges going forward, the committee chairman underlined.

“For the past year and a half, we have been trading at around $400s/mt. However, in the last two months we have seen price movements that we haven’t seen since 2008, amid trade distortion and the impact of the war on actual trade. We have seen $200/mt decreases because prices first increased by as much, though it is a short-term effect,” he said. The raw material suppliers committee indicated that it expects that the market will stay at these levels for a while as the current price levels are considered tradable, with a little downside risk amid the oversupply of scrap.

Looking at the EU, Mr. Björkman said that the region is under pressure from energy costs, while there are also a lot of investment activities in the EU, either to shift production to electric arc furnaces from blast furnaces and in greenfield investments for green steel. He went on to say that building new electric arc furnaces is also going on in North America and Turkey, and these markets which are undergoing backward integration will need to secure raw materials.

Regarding the financing of the trading of scrap and other raw materials, the chairman of the IREPAS raw material suppliers committee indicated that financing has been under pressure in the recent period when prices have been very strong, and insurance companies have not been willing to take added risks. He further stated that, with commodity prices doubling, companies have not been able to insure trade goods, while the banking system has become very sensitive in relation to sanctions and is more hesitant as regards the metals trade.

Commenting on the pig iron shortage, Björkman said that the shortage remains but pointed out that India has introduced an export duty on pig iron and that demand has slowed down in China due to its zero-covid policy, while at the moment the effect of the pig iron shortage on scrap prices has eased. He added that India has also imposed export duty on iron ore, but, since India’s iron ore exports are not significant, this will not have a massive effect on iron ore availability in export markets, although it will support domestic supply in the country.

Traders at IREPAS: Globalization has taken a big hit, things will never be the same

F. D. Baysal, chairman of the traders committee, said that regionalization, in other words protectionism, started with the Trump era in the US, followed by the EU decision to impose steel quotas. Later, this movement continued in a new dimension with Covid when producers realized that they should have inventories ready because of possible unforeseen interruptions, and also the supply chain issues which started with the pandemic escalated with ports being congested and many products arriving at the same time, he noted. “Ukraine was really a major addition to these problems and took the whole thing to another level, with EU manufacturers depending on Russian and Ukrainian supplies for their production. Globalization has taken a big hit and things will never be the same,” Mr. Baysal said.

Commenting on the effects of the war, the traders committee chairman said that initially in the first two months everybody panicked and that is why prices were jacked up, but later, especially after Russian steel products and billet started to reach markets that do not recognize the sanctions, the rise in prices eased. “I think sanctions will increase, but not before the year-end. Circumventing US measures is not possible as there are serious precautions, and it is the same for EU measures as well. However, payments are facilitated through intermediary countries like Switzerland and Dubai,” he stated. Baysal went on to say that unevenly applied sanctions create certain advantages for the countries which do not recognize the sanctions. “I don’t think there is an absolute winner, but countries that don’t recognize the sanctions have the upper hand, though for a short time,” he added.

“Higher freight rates and congestion, especially in the US, is a significant factor in higher steel prices. Congestion will ease slowly. It may take six months to a year and freight rates really have to ease as well. Container prices have doubled, even quadrupled. It is not sustainable. Container lines deliberately pulled old containers out of circulation, causing shortages. Others will come in and produce containers. The situation will change soon. There will also be more ships being built and that will change the whole equation, but it will take time, so higher prices are here to stay,” he explained regarding freight costs.

Producers at IREPAS: Outlook is positive, good days are ahead

Murat Cebecioglu, chairman of IREPAS, mentioned two major problems facing the long steel market, mainly the war in Ukraine and China’s zero-covid policy, adding that the problem in China will probably be resolved quicker than the war in Ukraine, giving breathing space for all. He said that the war had shifted all fundamentals: the supply-demand balance has been broken, supply chains disrupted, prices have increased, there was panic buying in the EU and some countries bought more than they needed.

Talking about certain countries in particular, Mr. Cebecioglu said that peace talks are in progress in Yemen, one of the top three export markets for Turkey. If they bring results, demand will pick up in this market, while in the Philippines, after the formation of the new cabinet, things are expected to be much better. Looking at the Middle East, the UAE produces more than it consumes, so it exports to many countries. In the GCC region, countries that used to be importers have now become exporters, such as Oman which is exporting to the EU in good quantities. When it comes to Turkey, he underlined that it exports to many countries and the war “gave some small chance to Turkey as it is the only alternative” in the absence of Russia and Ukraine. Although exports to Southeast Asia have not been possible for Turkey this year because of China’s presence there, Turkey got the opportunity to replace the supply from Ukraine and Russia, though it was also negatively affected itself, since these two countries are major suppliers. He also pointed out that, with the EU redistributing the quotas of Russia and Belarus to other countries, Turkey’s volumes for the EU have increased.

Commenting on whether Turkey is becoming less competitive in the face of Section 232 measures being replaced with quotas for the EU, the UK and Japan, the IREPAS chairman explained that the US has always been a good market for Turkey, though it had not been possible to sell to this market for the last couple of months as prices were so high at around $900/mt, “but today it is quite possible and deals have already been made with the US. These countries are not an obstacle for us. Selling to the US is always about pricing,” he added. As for the current situation regarding Turkey’s long steel exports, Cebecioglu said that, as the local markets slowed down in most countries, along with increasing prices, Turkish suppliers have a hard time foreseeing the future. He explained that Israel, one of the top three export markets for Turkish long products, has not bought anything for more than a month or so, but now they are coming back to the market, the same as Yemen. “We are in the clear, I think. In the coming weeks, things will be alright,” he affirmed.

Regarding freight rates and shipping costs, the producers committee chairman indicated that freight rates have more than doubled and vessels are waiting a minimum of three to four weeks at ports, resulting in “a huge effect on the steel trade using bulk vessels. When you look at the Baltic Dry Index, it seems more or less the same as last year but China’s Covid restrictions have blocked many ships out of business, creating a big problem, and I don’t know how soon this can be resolved,” he added.

19:00 – 22:00                   Welcome cocktail at Four Seasons Hotel Bosphorus Istanbul

Day 2: Monday, May 30, 2022

09:00 – 09:15                   Welcome address by Chairman of IREPAS

09:15 – 10:00                    SESSION ONE: Critical changes in global long steel markets

- Long products market outlook

• Overview of global construction sector
• Steel and long products consumption
• Rebar markets
• International price situation

Alexander Gordienko, Export Director, Celsa Group 

- Turkish steel industry overview

Dr. Veysel Yayan, Secretary General, Turkish Iron and Steel Producers’ Association (TISPA)

- The revision of the waste shipment regulation and its impacts on trade of steel scrap – a recyclers’ perspective

Olivier Francois, President, European Recycling Industries’ Confederation (EuRIC)

10:00 – 10:20                     Networking break

10:20 – 11:10                     SESSION TWO: Critical changes in global long steel markets – EU, Ukraine and China

- EU steel market outlook

• Outlook for EU economy and steel industry
• EU steel imports, the impact of safeguard measures on them, and perspectives on recent and future modifications of such measures in view of the ongoing war in Ukraine
• Impact of energy costs (natural gas/electricity) on EU-based EAFs and perspectives on the supply shortage in the EU

Alessandro Sciamarelli, Director of Economic Studies and Market Analysis, European Steel Association (EUROFER)

- Chinese steel market outlook

Huseyin Ocakci, Middle East General Manager, CIEC

- Ukrainian economy and steel industry: current situation and outlook (online presentation)

• Brief overview of the military situation and scenarios for its development.
• Overview of the Ukrainian economy: current situation and expectations.
• Estimated damage caused by the war to infrastructure and the economy as a whole.
• Ukrainian steel industry: supply and demand situation and outlook.
• Steel exports from Ukraine: risks and challenges.

Roman Perepelytsia, Head of Strategy and Business Development, Metinvest Holding

11:10 – 11:30                     Networking break

11:30 – 12:30                    SESSION THREE: Global economic developments and expectations

The Current State of Developed and Emerging Markets

Prof. Dr. Ozgur Demirtas, Chair Professor of Finance, Sabanci University 

12:30 – 14:30                    Networking lunch

14:30 – 16:30                    IREPAS Committee Meetings

• 14:30 – 16:30 IREPAS Producers Committee (by invitation only)
• 14:30 – 16:30 IREPAS Raw Material Suppliers Committee (by invitation only)
• 14:30 – 16:30 IREPAS Traders Committee (open to all attendees)

19:30 – 23:00                   Gala dinner at Four Seasons Hotel Bosphorus

Day 3: Tuesday, May 31, 2022

10:00 – 11:30                   SESSION FOUR – Panel with Committee Chairmen

• IREPAS Producers Committee
• IREPAS Raw Material Suppliers Committee
• IREPAS Traders Committee

There were 223 producer representatives among the 918 registered delegates from a total of 70 different countries. There were also 69 registrations representing 31 different raw material suppliers.

At the opening of the conference, Murat Cebecioglu, chairman of IREPAS, emphasized that the supply was no longer an issue in the global long steel products market, and demand would be the driving factor from now on, though it would probably be rather slow for a while because prices are normalizing and delivery periods are becoming shorter. He also added that the cost of producing steel is increasing, especially on the energy side.

IREPAS chairman also said the logistics situation is getting worse in terms of constituting a bottleneck. Furthermore, the strong surge in electricity costs, which have tripled or quadrupled since August this year, has tightened the pressure on many mills, meaning they have to seek to pass on cost increases to their customers, he added. Mr. Cebecioglu also said that the outlook for the market in the next quarter is much more positive than it has been seen for some time despite several uncertainties.

Raw Material Suppliers at IREPAS: Scrap demand level is very supportive of the market

Jens Björkman from Stena Metal International, the chairman of the raw material suppliers committee, commented on the performance of the steel market and stated that general conditions are expected to improve amid quite substantial support from governments for a rebound after lockdowns. “We will continue to see markets resuming to more normal circumstances next year. We expect the markets to perform well,” Mr. Björkman noted.

The raw material committee chairman pointed out that China is planning to cap its steel production in the first quarter at lower levels, meaning that demand for raw materials will also remain limited. As a result, demand in China will be slightly lower during the first quarter next year.

Commenting on the scrap market, especially in Turkey, Mr. Björkman said that seasonally the October-November period is normally a very strong production period, with strong prices also. He added that, with continued strong production, the demand level is very supportive of the market. Regarding threats of scrap bans from certain countries and regions, the Stena official commented, “The risks of that happening are pretty mild, as it is such an important trade”.

Answering a question about financing of the raw materials trade, the raw material committee chairman underlined that, in terms of trade finance, such as letters of credit, there is no shortage of financing, while, on the other hand, there are some issues regarding credit insurance when selling material to the EU market or the domestic market. “Credit insurance, i.e., the ability to cover credit with insurance, has been very difficult during the pandemic and also the post-pandemic period. We are seeing some signs that it might get a little bit better as raw material buyers are performing better and are actually delivering very strong quarterly and annual results, which alleviates the situation for insurance. However, in general it has been a slow rebound so far,” Björkman said.

Traders at IREPAS: Prices will not decrease at least until Q2 2022

F. D. Baysal from Seba International, co-chairman of the traders committee, answered questions during a panel discussion. Mr. Baysal said he believed that there is definitely a genuine recovery. He pointed out that steel production slowed down just to adjust to demand, not because the mills were not able to maintain production, but because most mills are run in an automated manner and are capable of working with minimum staff.

Commenting on the outlook for EU imports, the traders committee chairman said that demand for imports in the EU has been strong for some time and will continue, though imports face other limitations: for example, specifically for rebar, homologation and quotas are the limiting factors. “The Turkish rebar quota opening on October 1 got consumed in a single day, with many importers still holding back significant volumes to clear customs as of January 1. Also, significant imports from other developing countries are not realistic, as it takes time to qualify due to homologation procedures which can take up to 15 months,” Mr. Baysal said.

Regarding the recent surges in energy costs worldwide, he pointed out that energy price increases may be permanent, but that the surge seen recently is definitely temporary. He said that in 2008 and 2014 energy prices were even higher than today, but in subsequent years they moved down and even collapsed during the pandemic, resulting in many postponed drillings, production halts, and shutdowns of coal plants. “Going forward, all it takes is for Russia, Saudi Arabia and the US to increase production, and pricing will go back to normal levels again. Obviously, the nations who are importing their energy will be affected the most,” he suggested. He also commented on the situation regarding freight rates and said that the current levels are not a new normal, but they will not go down in the next few months either.

Addressing the issue of the trade talks between the EU and the US, Mr. Baysal said he believed that nothing has changed regarding US trade policy, but things are rather getting worse or staying the same, instead of getting better.

During a discussion on whether China would return to the export markets or otherwise, the traders committee chairman shared with the conference participants a rumored report that the Chinese government is mulling an export tax on steel starting from January 1 next year.

Finally, Baysal commented on current steel price levels and on whether they are here to stay: “Yes, prices will not decrease any time soon, at least not until the second quarter of 2022. Scrap prices decreased a little last month, but shipping prices continued to double or even triple, keeping steel prices at the same levels. High energy costs will continue to negatively affect steel prices. If China continues to decrease production and stay away from the export market, high steel prices may continue for a long while yet. However, in the long run, I think neither shipping prices nor raw material prices will stay this high.”

Producers at IREPAS: Markets have never been better, great time to be in steel business

Michael Setterdahl, from GFG Alliance – Liberty Steel Mills, member of the producers committee, said that it is a great time to be in the steel business.

He went on to say that the markets have never been better and that the first quarter of 2022 will be excellent, as long as China does not start increasing exports, while pointing out that steel consumption is growing at a higher rate in the rest of the world than in China.

Considering that the extra increases in steel production costs amount to €120/mt, Mr. Setterdahl indicated that, in the medium term, there will be CO2 charges or taxes and that there will be surcharges on all products. He said that right now, steel has surcharges on ferroalloys, but there has been very little reference to natural gas or electricity in the pricing of steel. Commenting on energy costs on the other hand, the Liberty official underlined that the EU and emerging markets will be affected the most because they are importing energy. He also noted that increases in electricity from wind power and solar power are expected, but these will be incremental increases, not immediate as in the case of coal energy.

According to Mr. Setterdahl, demand in China is slowing down, with the Chinese demand growth forecast dropping from 6.5 percent to 4.9 percent. “As inventory levels are going up and as Chinese regulators are concerned about the increase in prices for residential buildings amid expensive rebar and cement, I think there is a political push in China to reduce demand,” Setterdahl noted. In response to a question on whether China would resume exports, he said that Chinese mills may want to turn to the export markets to maintain their volumes with domestic consumption slowing down, but Beijing will not allow mass exports, he noted, explaining that 20 million mt of steel exports out of China may be tolerated but, if the figure goes up to the maximum amount of 65 million mt registered a few year ago, Beijing will take action.

The attendees of the virtual meeting will be able to watch the global long steel market presentation by Mr Alex Gordienko of Celsa and the panel discussion involving the chairmen of the IREPAS committees. The online event will also be an interactive experience which as always will give the attendees the opportunity to interact with steel market experts and executives from all the most prominent companies. Please follow the link to register.