There were 96 representatives from 36 different producers among the 302 registered delegates from a total of 41 different countries. There were also 75 registrations representing 43 different raw material suppliers.

At the opening of the conference, Ioannis Manessis, chairman of IREPAS, stated that the global steel industry is operating in an increasingly challenging environment characterized by geopolitical conflicts, shifting trade flows, higher costs and relatively weak demand. According to the IREPAS chairman, the deteriorating situations in the Black Sea and Iran are having a significant impact on steel markets and international trade. Damage to ports and vessels’ reluctance to sail have made trade in the Black Sea extremely difficult, while attacks on bulk carriers and oil tankers have also created significant challenges for trade in the Middle East.

Against this backdrop, energy prices, including oil, natural gas and coal prices, have increased, in some cases significantly. Manessis noted that these increases are raising costs for steel producers, scrap suppliers and shipping companies, affecting the entire steel value chain.

At the same time, the industry is facing an increasingly restrictive global trade environment. The IREPAS chairman highlighted the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and its safeguard measures implemented after July 1, US tariffs, scrap trade restrictions in around 40 countries worldwide and other trade measures affecting steel markets. He also pointed to China’s recent efforts to prevent its steel industry from offering products at excessively low or loss-making prices, stating that these measures already appear to be having an impact on the market.

Meanwhile, higher interest rates are putting additional pressure on consumers as authorities seek to contain inflation. Manessis stated that, apart from demand related to the expansion of artificial intelligence data centers, global demand for steel products remains relatively weak.

According to the IREPAS chairman, demand is therefore not currently determining the direction of the market, with rising costs instead becoming the key factor. As a result, steel prices are increasing in almost all markets despite weak demand. Manessis added that, although the current environment remains difficult to navigate, higher prices are allowing trade to continue and creating opportunities for market participants.

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.

Producers at IREPAS: Trade barriers and overcapacity are fragmenting global steel markets

Steel producers remain cautiously optimistic despite challenging international trade conditions, while energy and raw material costs are expected to continue putting pressure on mills at least through the end of the winter, according to Alex Gordienko, export director at Spain’s CELSA Group, speaking on behalf of the producers committee.

Mr. Gordienko said that regions face different challenges, with European producers particularly affected by energy-related issues. Nevertheless, producers continue to see underlying domestic demand and remain somewhat more optimistic than current market conditions might suggest.

India expected to remain focused on domestic market

Commenting on the rise in Indian steel demand and the decline in the country’s export activity, Gordienko pointed to significant infrastructure investments and rapidly growing construction demand, while India’s steel production capacity is also increasing. He said he expects India to remain primarily focused on its domestic market over the next five years.

Regarding Southeast Asian suppliers, Gordienko said they will remain competitive internationally, though increasingly selective about their target markets. Their presence is expected to remain significant in the MENA region, while access to the EU will be more difficult due to quota restrictions.

EU needs favorable investment conditions as well as trade protection

Turning to Europe, Gordienko said there is significant potential demand from housing, electricity generation, data centers and defense investments, as well as the replacement of aging infrastructure. However, bureaucratic barriers are preventing these needs from translating into actual construction and investment.

According to Gordienko, the EU has become increasingly effective at protecting its steel market, but less successful in creating economic conditions that make steel production and investment attractive. Safeguards and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) provide some protection, but cannot compensate for issues such as insufficient or expensive energy supply.

Overcapacity and trade barriers to fragment global markets

Addressing global overcapacity, Gordienko said governments increasingly want to preserve domestic steelmaking capacity even when mills struggle to generate profits, while new capacity continues to emerge in several regions.

He said he sees no realistic global mechanism capable of effectively regulating excess capacity. As trade barriers increase, surplus steel will have access to fewer export destinations, increasing the pressure on markets that remain open. At the same time, protected markets could experience temporary shortages and price increases despite substantial global excess capacity.

Gordienko said fragmentation is also changing the traditional steel market cycle. Instead of one broadly synchronized global cycle, individual regions are increasingly likely to follow their own cycles as trade barriers, domestic policies and local market conditions gain importance.

Looking ahead to 2027, he identified fragmentation as a key issue, encompassing overcapacity, Chinese exports and growing trade barriers, with market participants increasingly needing to focus on developments in their own domestic markets.

Traders at IREPAS: Trade barriers and freight risks make steel trade more regional

F.D. Baysal, chairman and CEO of SEBA Group of Companies and chairman of the traders committee, shared the committee’s assessment of current market conditions, highlighting weakening demand, regulatory pressures and rising geopolitical risks.

Mr. Baysal stated that steel trade is becoming more regional as tariffs, freight risks and additional import requirements complicate transactions. Presenting the findings of the IREPAS traders committee, Baysal said China had reduced steel production but continued to export large volumes. He stated that export licensing and VAT-related changes had altered the composition of its exports, with a greater share of long products. Continued weakness in China’s real estate sector has left surplus production seeking overseas markets, he added.

Freight risks complicate steel trade in Middle East

Baysal described freight conditions as volatile, stating that shipping from Asia to Europe has remained relatively soft, while finding vessels for shipments to and from the Middle East has become difficult. War-risk premiums and higher bunker costs have added to the challenges faced by traders.

Regarding trade in the GCC region, Baysal said decisions can no longer be based solely on the price of steel and its shipping cost. Traders must also consider insurance, changing transit times and uncertainty over whether cargoes will arrive as planned. He stated that he expects logistics to remain a significant issue. Baysal said geopolitical freight premiums are not necessarily permanent. What has changed more durably, in his view, is the need to account for geopolitical risks in every transaction. Shipping routes, additional premiums and the working capital tied up in delayed cargoes have become part of traders’ calculations.

High interest rates weigh on US steel demand

Baysal pointed out that higher interest rates are weighing on US commercial and residential construction and on demand for steel products used in those sectors. However, infrastructure, data centers, energy projects and manufacturing investment continue to consume steel. He noted that large infrastructure and data center projects are supplied mainly by domestic mills.

Against this background, Baysal said traders favor disciplined purchasing and low inventories. Back-to-back transactions are more attractive than speculative stockholding when financing is expensive and tariffs, quotas, freight and regional market conditions can change.

Capacity-demand gap and trade measures seen as interconnected risks

Although steel remains a cyclical industry, Baysal said its underlying trade structure has changed. Capacity growth, trade barriers and geopolitical risks have fragmented the market, requiring traders to identify opportunities in individual regions rather than rely on price differences alone.

Looking ahead to 2027, he described the gap between steel capacity and demand, and the trade measures that may result from it, as interconnected risks.

Raw Material Suppliers at IREPAS: Rising costs and trade barriers put pressure on raw material flows

Jens Björkman from Stena Metal International and chairman of the raw material suppliers committee shared the committee’s assessments of current dynamics and difficulties in global raw material markets during a panel session.

Mr. Björkman stated that higher freight, energy and financing costs, together with potential restrictions on scrap exports, are putting pressure on the steelmaking raw material trade. Presenting the findings of the IREPAS raw material suppliers committee, Björkman said coking coal prices had risen by around 60 percent within a few months. He also pointed to strong raw material demand in the US during the first part of 2026 and growth in India. In Europe, in contrast, high energy costs have added to the challenges facing the industry, he stated.

Low Rhine water levels disrupt European scrap and steel movements

Björkman said the low water levels of the River Rhine, comparable to those seen in 2018, have disrupted movements of scrap and steel in Europe. Some material has remained in inventories instead of reaching its destinations, causing business to be postponed. He described European steel capacity utilization of around 65 percent as unsustainable.

Regarding coking coal, Björkman said the summer price surge was driven particularly by conditions in China and had also lifted Australian prices. Chinese demand has since eased somewhat, he said. Although he cited an increase of around six percent in Indian production this year, he does not expect it to offset weaker Chinese demand. Björkman therefore sees a slightly negative outlook for coking coal prices in the coming months and said the earlier surge may prove temporary in the short term.

Trade disruptions affect scrap purchases in India and Pakistan

Turning to import scrap markets in India and Pakistan, Björkman said disruptions to trade flows have had a substantial effect on purchasing. Buyers who previously could purchase smaller quantities with shorter lead times have had to consider larger volumes and longer delivery periods. Higher freight and financing costs make those changes more difficult, he explained. He added that demand for European material has increased.

The chairman of the raw material suppliers committee expressed concern about proposed changes affecting EU shipments of ferrous and non-ferrous material to non-OECD countries. North Africa and South Asia are significant and consistent buyers of European material, he said. In his view, restrictions could affect both their ability to purchase scrap from the EU and recycling activity within Europe.

Financing raw material trade has also become more difficult throughout the supply chain, according to Björkman. Higher interest rates, freight costs and raw material prices are encouraging companies to keep lead times short, buy according to immediate requirements and avoid accumulating large inventories.

Scrap to remain principal raw material for EAF-based producers

On the future raw material mix for electric arc furnace-based producers, Björkman said scrap will remain the principal input. HBI and DRI can supplement scrap, but he does not expect them to replace it. Their cost is a constraint in many regions, while energy availability influences where they can be produced. Björkman also questioned whether Europe could depend on supplies from the GCC given regional and political uncertainties.

Trade barriers seen as key risk for scrap market in 2027

Björkman said Europe has sufficient scrap for its own steelmakers and has opposed adding further restrictions and administrative requirements to its export trade.

Asked about the risks facing the market in 2027, he identified increasing trade barriers as a particular concern for scrap suppliers. Björkman expects trade to become more regional, with European exporters facing additional requirements.

Day 1: Sunday, September 27, 2026

19:00 – 22:00                   Welcome cocktail at the Metropol Palace, Belgrade

Day 2: Monday, September 28, 2026

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

IREPAS Chairman: Ioannis Manessis, Principal, Hellenic Halyvourgia S.A

09:30 – 11:10                  SESSION ONE – Critical Changes Shaping the Global Long Steel Markets

- Long products market outlook

Alexander Gordienko, Export Director, Celsa Group

- Regional Markets of the Balkans and Southeast Europe in the Global Storm

- Branko Zecevic, President, Metalfer Group

 - HBI in the Raw Materials Landscape

Vincent F. Chevrier, General Manager / Technical Sales and Marketing , Midrex Technologies, Inc.

- CBAM: A Verifier’s Perspective on Compliance and Implementation

Jerónimo Casas, Global Product Manager for Climate Change and Sustainability Solutions, SGS

11:10 – 11:40 Networking break

11:40 – 12:45 SESSION TWO – Steel Markets in a Changing Global Landscape

- Navigating the New Global Order: Strategic Foresight for Steel Markets

Keynote Speaker: Velina Tchakarova, Geopolitical Strategist and Founder, FACE For A Conscious Experience

- Dry Freight and Steel Trade Flows Amid Geopolitical Risks

Maria Bertzeletou, Senior Market Analyst, The Signal Group

12:45 – 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 29, 2026

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

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

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