The overall business environment in the global long steel products market has deteriorated again. Everything is even more difficult and complexities are increasing further. Nevertheless, the apparent de-escalation of the conflict involving Iran could mark an important turning point. If geopolitical risks continue to ease, we may be approaching the bottom of the current market cycle.

International rebar market now weaker compared to one month ago

The international reinforcing bars market is now weaker than it was a month ago. Demand in the market continues to be subdued, while supply remains high, putting pressure on prices and margins. However, in addition to the positive development represented by the easing of tensions in the Middle East, some producers are heard to have begun lowering production in response to market conditions, which should help improve the supply-and-demand balance over time.

Demand hit by low confidence, more Iranian and Russian billet could depress rebar prices

It seems that the concerns and lack of confidence shown by market players, in particular by buyers, constitute the main obstacles preventing demand from improving. The price of scrap shows how confident mills are for future planning. We may see more Iranian and Russian billets in the market, which would exert further pressure on reinforcing bar prices.

Producers face higher costs of power during the hot summer season

As far as costs are concerned, with energy demand increasing amid the seasonally high temperatures, the higher price of power will also work against producers’ interests.

EU struggles to improve its GDP, domestic prices soften due to weak demand

The overall geopolitical situation is not good for investments and Europe is still struggling to improve its GDP, while energy costs and inflation are rising. In the meantime, we have entered into a new phase regarding EU imports, which will only be observed during the initial days of the new quarterly period and will then be silent for the rest of the quarter. Despite the announcement of the quota reduction by almost 50 percent well in advance, EU mills had been able to raise their prices for a while, but now their prices are falling back to where they were before, as demand is weak all over the EU.

Chinese steel exports continue to increase despite gradual decline in output

There is nothing positive in the Far East except for the gradual decrease in production in China, which, however, will not change anything in the short run. Chinese steel exports continue to increase.

US market very reliant on data centers

Capacity utilization in the US is stalling at 81 percent and domestic mills are announcing increases of US$10/nt. The driver in the US market has been data centers, which are not all 100 percent-financed or are without building permits.

Most encouraging development was the easing of tensions in Middle East

Having said all above, the most encouraging development was the easing of tensions in the Middle East. Greater regional stability could have supported a gradual recovery in economic activity and steel demand, particularly in the Gulf markets. At the same time, despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, there are signs of improving demand for steel products. This suggests that reconstruction needs and investment could provide support for the market once geopolitical conditions normalize. These developments had given reason for cautious optimism about the medium-term outlook. But the tension seems to be there again.

Global competition still extremely intense, few genuinely free markets remain

Competition in the global steel market remains extremely intense. Trade flows continue to be shaped by tariffs, quotas and other trade measures, resulting in fragmented regional markets. Within Europe, competition is strong due to weak demand and significant production capacities. Competition in third-country export markets is even more challenging, as suppliers from around the world compete for a shrinking number of open destinations. Today, there are relatively few genuinely free markets remaining for global steel producers.

Current market status unstable, with a very unclear outlook

Under these circumstances, the current status of the market can be described as unstable with a very unclear outlook.

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Half of the import quotas have been allocated exclusively to free trade agreement (FTA) partners, while the remaining half will be available to all exporting countries, including FTA partners.

The regulation establishes three different quota access mechanisms depending on the exporting country’s status.

Countries receiving a country-specific quota (CSQ) may use their allocated quota immediately. Once exhausted, eligible FTA partners may continue exporting under an additional FTA Quota – CSQ, which is administered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Countries without country-specific quotas may instead access:
- “Other countries” quota: accessible for the exporting countries which are not FTA partners.
- FTA Quota – Other countries quota: accessible for the exporting countries which are FTA partners.

The countries that are able to access these three type of quotas may vary depending on the products.

The CSQ allocations for reinforcing bars are as follows:

• Türkiye : 239,66.09 mtons (59,919.02 mtons per quarter)
• Egypt : 144,367.80 mtons (36,091.95 mtons per quarter)
• Algeria : 63,761.42 mtons (15,940.36 mtons per quarter)
• Moldova : 39,719.11 mtons (9,929.78 mtons per quarter)
• China : 20,216.13 mtons (5,054.03 mtons per quarter)
• Ukraine : 67,710.16 mtons (16,927.54 mtons per quarter)
• FTA Quota – CSQ : 158,803.37 mtons (39,700.84 mtons per quarter)
• Other Countries : 63,322.34 mtons (15,830.59 mtons per quarter)
• FTA Quota – Other Countries : 38,299.23 mtons (9,574.81 mtons per quarter)
• UK (to Northern Ireland from other parts of the UK) : 8,649.90 mtons (2,162.48 mtons per quarter)

The CSQ allocations for wire rods are as follows:

• Türkiye : 244,589.00 mtons (61,147.25 mtons per quarter)
• Malaysia : 86,683.40 mtons (21,670.85 mtons per quarter)
• UK : 175,399.53 mtons (43,849.88 mtons per quarter)
• Ukraine : 189,145.02 mtons (47,286.26 mtons per quarter)
• Switzerland : 162,195.34 mtons (40,548.83 mtons per quarter)
• Viet Nam : 97,086.65 mtons (24,271.66 mtons per quarter)
• Moldova : 95,839.25 mtons (23,959.81 mtons per quarter)
• Egypt : 86,714.89 mtons (21,678.72 mtons per quarter)
• FTA Quota – CSQ : 122,881.38 mtons (30,720.34 mtons per quarter)
• Other Countries : 153,927.34 mtons (38,481.84 mtons per quarter)
• FTA Quota – Other Countries : 138,440.96 mtons (34,610.24 mtons per quarter)
• Korea : 11,334.76 mtons (2,833.69 mtons per quarter)
• Japan : 5,293.99 mtons (1,323.50 mtons per quarter)

The tribunal concluded that allowing the measures to expire would likely result in injury to Canada’s domestic rebar industry and therefore ordered their continuation. Under the decision, Canada will continue applying antidumping duties on reinforcing bar imports from China, South Korea and Turkey, and countervailing duties on rebar imports from China.

The current antidumping duties on rebar from the countries in question are at

• 26.6 percent for China,
• 25.1 percent for South Korea
• 6.5 percent for Turkey,

while subsidy rate is at 6.1 percent for China.

The products currently fall under Harmonized System (HS) tariff classification numbers

• 7213.10.00.11,
• 7213.10.00.12,
• 7213.10.00.13,
• 7213.10.00.90,
• 7214.20.00.11,
• 7214.20.00.12,
• 7214.20.00.13,
• 7214.20.00.14,
• 7214.20.00.21,
• 7214.20.00.22,
• 7214.20.00.23,
• 7214.20.00.24,
• 7214.20.00.31,
• 7214.20.00.32,
• 7214.20.00.33,
• 7214.20.00.34,
• 7214.20.00.90,
• 7215.90.00.20,
• 7215.90.00.30,
• 7227.90.00.50,
• 7228.30.00.51,
• 7228.30.00.52,
• 7228.30.00.53.

The overall business environment in the global long steel products market remains relatively stable. However, regional differences have become more pronounced than ever. Protectionist measures in the United States, combined with the implementation of CBAM in Europe and the upcoming reduction of EU import quotas, are reshaping trade patterns and market dynamics.

Ongoing conflicts continue to create uncertainty and raise costs

At the same time, the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East continue to create uncertainty, disrupt trade flows and influence supply-demand balances across multiple regions. Higher oil and natural gas prices have increased transportation and production costs, while steel availability from Gulf region suppliers has become extremely limited. Marine insurance costs for cargoes have also risen due to increased geopolitical risks. Expectations that these disruptions will be short-lived have largely disappeared. As a result, many distributors and stockists are holding onto inventories amid concerns about future supply availability and stock replacement costs. Consequently, the market remains highly fragmented, with conditions varying considerably depending on geography.

EU market sees last-minute import buying ahead of new quota system on July 1

In the European Union and in the United Kingdom, the market is now starting to search for a new equilibrium because of the changes in the import regime from July 1. During the past few weeks, some last-minute import buying has been taking place, as buyers and traders try to position themselves before the new quota system enters into effect. After this, market players will have to adjust their strategy to the supply which is actually available in the market. There will still be imports, of course, and there will still be competition, but buyers will have to build their strategies around actual market availability, not around the cheapest theoretical import offer.

Scrap prices remain strong despite weak demand

There is no demand to support the continuing strength of scrap prices, but it seems that prices will stay where they were before the Eid holiday or they may come down by a few dollars to motivate Turkish buyers to resume buying. Deep sea scrap prices for Turkey remain some way above US$400/mt CFR despite weak Turkish rebar sales, while the strong scrap prices provide support for finished product prices. Meanwhile, Turkish mills do not expect much long product demand from the EU because of the new quotas to be introduced shortly in the region. Regional differences will certainly create different results for different regions and producers, especially for those who source scrap from the US and the EU and need to export their products.

Turkey’s production costs may increase, political situation to impact investment

Turkish mills were enjoying cheap energy costs due to the rainfall during the winter season. This will most probably end when temperatures start rising and the country starts using cooling systems. With the political turmoil in the country, investments will slow down, which will also be another factor causing demand for long steel to slacken.

Demand for semis due to Iran’s absence contributes to higher long steel costs

Demand for semis due to Iran’s absence is another factor contributing to increased costs of long products. In this context, Chinese exports of slabs and billets increased to around 900,000 mt in the January-April period this year.

Long steel market in Germany remains very weak

The market in Germany is still very weak. After the shockwave of higher energy prices (the impact of the Iran war) and price increases for all steel products and for logistics, many projects were put on hold. Consequently, cut and bend prices did not move up but are on the way back down. Benders are desperately looking for orders at somehow manageable prices. German and Polish mills have had to adjust prices down as well, otherwise benders do not buy. So, there has been a drop of around €30/mt in prices despite the seasonal improvement which reflects the level of investment in Germany right now. Better prices for benders from imports are practically not available anymore. Reduced quotas, CBAM and high ocean freight rates make business very difficult. New building permits went down by 10-15 percent and industrial projects by 20-30 percent. There is not even any input from the public sector.

Mixed bag of positive and negative factors in US market

In the United States, inflation remains a concern, and expectations for interest rate cuts have largely been pushed back, with higher rates now expected to continue into 2027. This has negatively impacted housing and construction activity, keeping demand relatively subdued. Meanwhile, steel imports remain restricted by the 50 percent Section 232 tariffs, higher freight costs and logistical uncertainties. Reduced import competition continues to support a gradual increase in domestic steel prices despite overall moderate demand. On the other hand, domestic steel prices are moving closer to import parity, which may improve future import opportunities. In addition, inventories remain relatively low, and continued investments in AI infrastructure, energy and industrial projects are providing some support for steel demand. The primary area of growth remains AI infrastructure and data center investments, although this business is largely supplied directly by domestic mills and these big projects are for consumption of reinforcing steel 12-18 months from now. However, these positives are still overshadowed by geopolitical uncertainty, high interest rates and weak construction activity.

Some positive developments in terms of investments

One of the key positives in the marketplace is the substantial level of investment being directed toward infrastructure projects, energy-related developments and data centers, all of which generate significant demand for reinforcing steel products. In addition, many governments in developed economies are increasingly focused on addressing housing affordability challenges. Policies aimed at expanding residential construction could support additional demand for long steel products in the medium term. Another positive factor for certain markets is the implementation of measures designed to protect domestic industries from unfairly priced imports. While these measures support local producers, they also reduce market access opportunities for exporting countries, highlighting the differing impacts across regions. There are areas like the Balkan and Baltic regions where demand is really great and investment in infrastructure is huge.

China’s crude steel output decreases, its iron ore imports increase

China’s crude steel production decreased by 4.1 percent in January-April, but its iron ore imports increased by eight percent to 418 million mt in the same period, and port stocks are close to 160 million mt. This is a very strange situation: steel production is characterized by weakness, but iron ore imports remain strong.

Divergence between open and protected markets

Competition remains extremely intense in international markets that are open to imports. Excess production capacity in several regions continues to put pressure on prices and margins. In contrast, markets that benefit from trade protection measures or restricted import access generally experience more balanced competitive conditions.

Current market status stable and challenging, outlook varies according to region

Under these circumstances, the current status of the market can be described as stable and challenging. While demand remains generally subdued in many regions, market participants have largely adapted to current conditions and no major short-term disruptions are anticipated. The outlook, on the other hand, varies significantly by region. In Europe and the United States, market sentiment is relatively decent, supported by infrastructure spending and protective trade measures. In many other parts of the world, however, the outlook remains difficult to predict.

Supply side will need to be monitored if Middle East crisis is resolved

Even if geopolitical tensions in the Middle East ease, the resulting increase in availability of supply could place additional pressure on already oversupplied open-trade markets. Furthermore, the current interest rate environment continues to weigh on construction activity and investment decisions in several regions.

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There were 99 representatives from 41 different producers among the 386 registered delegates from a total of 49 different countries. There were also 86 registrations representing 41 different raw material suppliers.

At the opening of the conference, Ioannis Manessis, chairman of IREPAS, said that two major conflicts – one in Ukraine and the other in Iran — have consequences for global trade in general and serious repercussions for the industry in particular. He said steel trade has been affected by both demand destruction and supply disruptions, as well as by elevated energy costs, higher freight rates and the practical difficulty of securing vessels on time to transport materials.

Mr Manessis added that protectionism continues to intensify at the same time. IREPAS chairman also said that real demand in the global long products sector remains subdued while geopolitical tensions have driven up freight, energy, and raw material costs. Combined with some degree of inventory replenishment, this has supported higher prices he concluded.

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: Tighter supply, geopolitics reshape global scrap market

Speaking at the panel session, Jens Björkman from Stena Metal International and also chairman of the raw material suppliers committee, shared the committee’s assessments of the current dynamics and difficulties in the global raw material markets. Mr. Björkman highlighted significant shifts in global market dynamics over the past year, pointing to tighter supply conditions, changing trade flows and increasing geopolitical influence on pricing and demand. One of the key developments has been the slowdown in Chinese steel output, with March production falling to the lowest monthly level in six years. This decline, linked to weaker margins and stricter controls, has supported sentiment in other regions, while iron ore prices have remained relatively firm at $105-110/mt due to supply-side constraints. India continues to stand out as a major growth market, supported by strong domestic sponge iron production. This has reduced its reliance on scrap imports, although the country could be an attractive destination, based on freight costs and pricing conditions.

The chairman of the raw material suppliers committee stated that, in Europe, safeguard measures and regulatory frameworks have reinforced protectionist dynamics, supporting intra-regional scrap demand. However, concerns persist over high energy costs and the risk of stagflation, which could weigh on longer-term demand. In the United States, stronger domestic steel production has boosted internal demand for raw materials. At the same time, the attractiveness of scrap exports has declined, particularly for high-quality grades, as supply increasingly shifts toward domestic consumption.

Mr. Björkman pointed out that Turkey has seen improved sentiment, supported by stronger steel production and demand. Reduced semis supply from Iran has increased reliance on scrap imports, pushing prices to around $410/mt, an annual high. Rising freight costs, driven by higher bunker fuel prices and disruptions of oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, have further supported pricing.

Mr. Björkman emphasized that there is no global surplus of scrap supply, as scrap continues to be steadily consumed. Europe exports around 19-20 million mt annually, reflecting limited domestic demand growth, but future availability may tighten due to increasing EAF adoption and regulatory constraints. Traditional importers in the Middle East may face challenges as scrap availability tightens in Europe and the US. Meanwhile, he noted, growing scrap generation and processing capacity in Asia, particularly in China and India, could gradually reshape global trade flows.

Mr. Björkman said that increasing regulatory requirements, particularly EU waste shipment rules, are expected to drive investment in sorting and processing. At the same time, tighter credit conditions and reduced availability of trade finance are adding complexity to global scrap trade. He went on to say that, despite strong pricing and demand conditions, the market outlook remains uncertain. Energy prices, economic growth and geopolitical developments continue to pose risks, while elevated oil prices at around $110 per barrel are still considered manageable for now. However, in conclusion, he commented that any deterioration in demand or purchasing power could quickly shift the market into a more challenging phase.

Traders at IREPAS: Geopolitical tensions and higher costs disrupt steel trade flows

Speaking during the panel session, Wilhelm Alff, director at Duferco 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. Alff reminded that crude steel production in China reached around 960 million mt in 2025, while data from the first quarter of 2026 indicate that output may decline further or at best remain stable, with no clear signs of growth. In China, the sharpest drop was observed in the rebar segment, in which production fell by 12 percent, reflecting the ongoing downturn in the construction sector. The only improvement in China was the growth of more than 10 percent in iron ore inventories, mainly due to strategic stock building, highlighting the disconnect between raw material positioning and weak end-user demand.

This weakness in demand is particularly evident in Europe, where the overall economic outlook remains poor. Public spending is increasingly being redirected toward defense and social support rather than infrastructure, especially in Germany, limiting the recovery potential for steel consumption. The committee also pointed out that existing production capacity in the EU continues to exceed demand, noting that even prolonged production stoppages by major producers have had little visible impact on the market. A key concern for traders remains the implementation of the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The committee chairman emphasized that, in the current environment, traders are advised to use default emission values when calculating CBAM costs in order to avoid risks, although this approach increases cost exposure. Uncertainty surrounding calculation methods and verification procedures continues to complicate transactions, making it essential to involve producers and clearly define contract terms.

In addition, recent changes to the EU safeguard system have added further pressure. Quotas have been reduced by nearly 50 percent, while out-of-quota duties may rise to as high as 50 percent. Market participants criticized the lack of adjustment in country-specific quotas, even where suppliers have not delivered material for extended periods. As a result, portions of the quota system remain effectively unusable, further tightening supply and negatively affecting buyers and end-users in the region. Against this backdrop, traders also highlighted the growing impact of geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East. According to Mr. Alff, escalating tensions have tightened raw material supply chains and pushed costs higher, significantly slowing trading activity. Mills are increasingly relying on short-term sourcing strategies and opportunistic cargoes, while additional costs for transporting billets overland from Omani ports are estimated at around $40/mt. Severe port congestion is further complicating trade flows, making execution increasingly difficult. Despite these disruptions, the committee believes that the current situation is still being treated as temporary rather than structural. However, logistical constraints, especially in key maritime routes, continue to limit cargo movements and add uncertainty to global trade.

Commenting on global trade flows, Mr. Alff noted that exporters are likely to face growing challenges in accessing traditional markets. Tightening EU quotas and rising protectionism are forcing suppliers to seek alternative destinations, though options are becoming increasingly limited as more countries introduce similar trade barriers. Africa is expected to remain a key growth market in the medium term, supported by rising imports from Asia, particularly China, although the expansion of local production capacity and potential protectionist measures could gradually slow this trend.

Regarding China, the committee expects semi-finished steel exports to remain at elevated levels but under tighter control, as the Chinese authorities are likely to manage trade flows more actively to avoid another sharp surge. While the ongoing crisis in the Gulf region could support demand for Chinese material, its impact will largely depend on logistical conditions and the ability to move cargoes efficiently.

Looking at other regions, market conditions in the US and Latin America were described as relatively stable, with the US benefiting from solid demand driven by public infrastructure projects.

Overall, the traders committee underlined that the global steel market is entering a period of heightened uncertainty, shaped by weak demand in key regions, regulatory changes and geopolitical risks. In such an environment, Alff concluded that it is extremely difficult to predict price trends, emphasizing that market participants will need to continuously monitor developments and adjust their strategies accordingly.

Producers at IREPAS: Global steel sector under pressure from costs and weak growth

Alex Gordienko, export director of Spain’s CELSA Group and representing the producers committee, stated, in sharing the producers committee’s findings, that the global steel industry is facing increasing pressure from rising costs, weak economic growth and regulatory complexity. He noted that uncertainty remains high, particularly due to ongoing geopolitical tensions. Mr. Gordienko indicated that raw material prices have risen significantly, while the ability to pass these costs on to customers remains limited. As a result, margins across the industry are under sustained pressure, with finished steel prices failing to fully reflect higher input costs.

Mr. Gordienko noted that economic growth remains subdued across many regions, limiting the potential for a meaningful recovery in steel demand. He warned that current conditions reflect a fragile balance, with demand holding but lacking strong momentum. He described energy markets as highly volatile, largely due to tensions in the Middle East, adding that there is no clear timeline for a resolution and that a prolonged conflict could significantly worsen market conditions.

Mr. Gordienko went on to state that trade policy remains a key theme, with the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) at the center of discussions.

CBAM is seen as a mechanism that will gradually level carbon costs globally, encouraging countries such as Turkey, China and India to develop their own carbon pricing systems.

He said that, while CBAM is not expected to trigger immediate price changes, producers anticipate a medium-term disruption. By 2027, mills with verified emissions data are expected to gain a competitive advantage, as buyers increasingly prioritize suppliers able to provide reliable carbon data. Currently, only a limited number of suppliers, particularly in Japan and South Korea, are fully prepared for these requirements.

Meanwhile, the other restrictive factor, he pointed out, is that a new quota system stricter than the EU’s framework is expected to be introduced in the UK.

Mr. Gordienko commented that logistical challenges are adding further pressure, particularly in the Middle East, where port congestion is disrupting cargo flows. Limited truck availability and rising freight costs, driven by higher bunker fuel prices and fuel shortages, are increasing delivery costs for producers. He also stated that production disruptions in Iran have significantly affected global semis supply. Publicly available information indicates that facilities representing around 10 million mt of capacity have been heavily damaged, with recovery timelines ranging from six to 12 months. Iran exported approximately 3 million mt of semis in 2025, with around 75 percent directed to Asia. The disruption has contributed to increased Chinese semi-finished exports, particularly in March, as China moved to fill the supply gap. In the meantime, diesel shortages in Europe and transportation constraints are further amplifying cost pressures, with freight rates rising faster than oil prices.

On the raw materials side, Gordienko stated that availability remains a structural constraint. European producers, heavily reliant on scrap for electric arc furnace-based production, face limited flexibility in switching to alternative inputs such as HBI due to high energy requirements. This suggests limited short-term changes in production routes.

Lastly, he shared his prediction regarding the market outlook. Despite relatively stable demand and pricing conditions, the overall outlook remains uncertain. In conclusion, he said that energy prices, geopolitical developments and cost pressures continue to pose significant risks, leaving the global steel industry in a fragile and unpredictable environment.

The commission has found that the expiration of the antidumping measures in respect of exports of rebar from China would lead, or would be likely to lead, to a continuation of, or a recurrence of, the dumping and the material injury that the antidumping measures are intended to prevent. Accordingly, the commission has recommended that the duties continue and new duty rates for the parties subject to the review be revised as follows:

Baowu Group Echeng Iron and Steel Co., Ltd

• Current rate of duty (%) : 19.0 combination
• New rate of duty (%) : Floor price

All other exporters

• Current rate of duty (%) : 19.0 combination
• New rate of duty (%) : 23.7 combination

The products, in various diameters up to and including 50 mm, currently fall under the following Customs Tariff Statistics Position Numbers

• 7213.10.00.42,
• 7214.20.00.47,
• 7227.90.10.69,
• 7227.90.90.01,
• 7227.90.90.02,
• 7227.90.90.04,
• 7228.30.10.70,
• 7228.30.90.40,
• 7228.60.10.72.

Demand remains weak in the global long steel products market, both structurally and seasonally. Buyers are cautious, operating on a hand-to-mouth basis and are still delaying medium- or long-term commitments. At the same time, supply pressure remains high. China has finally shown a significant production decline (with 2025 output down to 960 million mt, below one billion mt for the first time since 2019), but its exports surged to a record 119 million mt.

Geopolitics pull FX and commodity markets in different directions, causing uncertainty

Geopolitical tensions are clearly growing and are tearing the foreign exchange (FX) and commodity markets in different directions, increasing uncertainty for both mills and traders. This is feeding buyers’ wait-and-see stance on the demand side, while keeping input costs – especially scrap – more supported than finished steel products.

Demand still weak in EU, imports slowed down a lot by CBAM uncertainties

Demand in the EU market is still weak. Not only seasonal conditions but also uncertainties regarding political decisions are holding buyers back from making bigger commitments. Despite solid order books, construction companies are not flooding the market to avoid increases. The absolute uncertainty about quotas, CBAM, etc., has slowed down import volumes a lot. Only a few quotas were used up completely on January 1, which is proof of the fears of importers and traders.

US commercial construction expectations weaken for 2026

In the US, commercial construction expectations are down this year, with five of 17 market segments showing negative outlooks. Data centers (57 percent net positive) and power projects (34 percent net positive) remain strong. Although 63 percent of firms are planning new hires in 2026, over 80 percent are struggling to find qualified workers. Tariffs have affected 70 percent of contractors, and 63 percent report project delays or cancellations due to funding issues and rising costs. Top concerns for 2026 include the economic slowdown, workforce shortages, rising labor costs and material price volatility due to imports.

US residential construction segment also shows weakening, US mills in strong position

Residential construction in the US is not any better. Multi-family housing starts dropped 25.9 percent in October last year compared to September and were down 10.8 percent year on year, falling to their lowest level since 2020, according to the US Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Overall, housing starts in the US in October fell 4.6 percent from September and 7.8 percent from October 2024. Developers face challenges ranging from high inventory to high interest rates. Imports face tough competition with domestic products having a 50 percent duty advantage and with antidumping and countervailing duties on most commodities. Domestic mills are in the best position with high prices and practically no competition.

Seasonal supply tightness boosts scrap market, thereby providing support for longs market

The ferrous scrap market is strong mainly due to the seasonal supply tightness and provides some support for the long steel products market.

Competition at high levels but is not on a level playing field due to trade protectionism

There is high competition in the market. That said, with all the trade measures and tariffs, there is no fair competition anymore. It is just about searching for opportunities.

Market outlook slightly better but remains tough, some cautious optimism for 2026

Under these circumstances, the current status of the market can be described as unstable. The outlook is slightly better due to seasonal reasons but remains tough. Despite all this and everchanging trade restrictions, we are still cautiously optimistic for 2026.

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The investigation, which covers the period from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, was launched upon the request of domestic producer 7 Steel (UK) Limited. The TRA will review whether the termination of the antidumping duty would lead to a continuation of dumped imports and the resumption of damage to the economic sector. In order to assess the injury, the TRA will also examine the period between October 1, 2021, and September 30, 2025. The current antidumping duties are 7.9-24 percent.

The products subject to investigation currently fall under Customs Tariff Statistics Position Numbers

• 7213 10 00,
• 7213 20 00,
• 7213 91 10,
• 7213 91 20,
• 7213 91 41,
• 7213 91 49,
• 7213 91 70,
• 7213 91 90,
• 7213 99 10,
• 7213 99 90,
• 7227 10 00,
• 7227 20 00,
• 7227 90 10,
• 7227 90 50,
• 7227 90 95.

The DOC has determined that revocation of the antidumping duty and the countervailing duty orders on wire rod from China would likely to lead to the continuation or reoccurrence of dumping and injury to the US industry.

The dumping margins are at 106.19 percent and 110.25 percent, while subsidy rates are at 178.46 percent, 185.89 percent and 193.31 percent for the country.

The products subject to the orders are currently classifiable in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) under subheadings

• 7213.91.3011,
• 7213.91.3015,
• 7213.91.3020,
• 7213.91.3093,
• 7213.91.4500,
• 7213.91.6000,
• 7213.99.0030,
• 7213.99.0090,
• 7227.20.0030,
• 7227.20.0080,
• 7227.90.6010,
• 7227.90.6020,
• 7227.90.6030,
• 7227.90.6090,
• 7227.90.6035.

The review, which covers the period from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, follows a request from Chinese steel producer Boxing Victory Metal Materials, asking the MOIT to review the existing antidumping duties. The current antidumping duties on the given products from Malaysia, Thailand and China are in a range between 9.79 percent and 28 percent depending on the exporter.

The products subject to the review currently fall under the codes 7312.10.91 and 7312.10.99.