In the AD investigation, covering the period of investigation between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, the DOC determined a weighted-average dumping margin of 34.20 percent for the Ezz group, comprising Al-Ezz Dekheila Steel Alexandria Company S.A.E., Ezz Steel Company S.A.E., Ezz Rolling Mills Company S.A.E., and Al-Ezz Flat Steel Company S.A.E.

The DOC also determined a margin of 52.73 percent for El Marakby Steel, 52.73 percent for Suez Steel Company, and 34.20 percent for all other Egyptian exporters. The rates for El Marakby Steel and Suez Steel Company are based on facts available with adverse inferences.

In the CVD investigation, covering the period of investigation between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024, the DOC determined a net countervailable subsidy rate of 23.27 percent for the Ezz group, comprising Al-Ezz Dekheila Steel Alexandria Company (SAE), Ezz Steel Company S.A.E., Ezz Rolling Mills Company (SAE), Al-Ezz Flat Steel Company (SAE), Contra Steel Co., and Al-Ezz Group Holding Company for Industry & Investment.

The DOC also determined a rate of 23.27 percent for all other Egyptian exporters.

The subject merchandise is provided for in subheadings 7213.10.0000, 7214.20.0000, and 7228.30.8010 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS).

The investigations were initiated on June 30, 2025, in response to a petition filed by the Rebar Trade Action Coalition. The final determinations were published in the Federal Register on July 30, 2026. If the US International Trade Commission (ITC) issues an affirmative final injury determination, the DOC will issue AD and CVD orders.

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)

Weighted-average dumping margins likely to prevail if the orders were revoked are up to

• 60.40 percent for Argentina,
• 86.09 percent for Colombia,
• 29.72 percent for Egypt,
• 72.28 percent for Indonesia,
• 19.26 percent for Italy,
• 26.95 percent for Malaysia,
• 30.86 percent for the Netherlands,
• 194.40 percent for Saudi Arabia,
• 155.10 percent for South Africa,
• 14.75 percent for Spain,
• 23.89 percent for Taiwan,
• 30.58 percent for Tunisia,
• 53.65 percent for Türkiye,
• 19.30 percent for Ukraine,
• 170.65 percent for the UAE

The AD orders were originally issued on February 1, 2021, for Argentina, Colombia, Egypt, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Türkiye, and the UAE, and on June 4, 2021, for Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, South Africa, Spain, Tunisia, and Ukraine. The sunset reviews were initiated on January 2, 2026, and the final results were published on May 4, 2026.

The investigations were initiated following the petitions filed by US-based law firm Wiley Rein LLP, alleging that the producers in the given countries are benefiting from government subsidies and selling reinforcing bars in the US at unfairly low prices.

The US International Trade Commission must reach a preliminary determination in the investigations within 45 days after the date on which the petitions were filed on June 4, 2025.

In the first two months this year, the US imported 57,206 mt, 78,644 mt, 26,466 mt and 35,200 mt of reinforcing bars from Algeria, Bulgaria, Egypt, and Vietnam, respectively.

The products currently fall under the codes 7213.10.0000, 7214.20.0000, and 7228.30.8010.

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.

The determined dumping margins are as follows:

• Jiangsu Shagang (China) : 34.0 percent
• All other Chinese companies : 46.2 percent
• Suez Steel (Egypt) : 8.6 percent
• All other companies in Egypt : 21.3 percent
• Hoa Phat Dung Quat Steel (Vietnam) : 17.7 percent
• Hoa Phat Hai Duong Steel (Vietnam) : 13.5 percent

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal is continuing its inquiry into the question of injury to the domestic industry and will make a finding by October 4, 2024.

The products subject to the preliminary duty currently fall under Customs Tariff Statistics Position Numbers

• 7213.91.00.42,
• 7213.91.00.43,
• 7213.91.00.49,
• 7213.91.00.50,
• 7213.91.00.60,
• 7213.91.00.70,
• 7213.99.00.11,
• 7213.99.00.12,
• 7213.99.00.31,
• 7213.99.00.32,
• 7213.99.00.51,
• 7213.99.00.52,
• 7227.20.00.20,
• 7227.20.00.90,
• 7227.90.00.60,
• 7227.90.00.70,
• 7227.90.00.81,
• 7227.90.00.82,
• 7227.90.00.83

The estimated dumping margins are as follows:

• China : 50.9 percent and 71.1 percent
• Egypt : 49.7 percent and 99.8 percent
• Vietnam : 6.1 percent, 18.3 percent, 38.9 percent

The products subject to the preliminary duty currently fall under the below listed Customs Tariff Statistics Position Numbers:

• 7213.91.00.42,
• 7213.91.00.43,
• 7213.91.00.49,
• 7213.91.00.50,
• 7213.91.00.60,
• 7213.91.00.70,
• 7213.99.00.11,
• 7213.99.00.12,
• 7213.99.00.31,
• 7213.99.00.32,
• 7213.99.00.51,
• 7213.99.00.52,
• 7227.20.00.20,
• 7227.20.00.90,
• 7227.90.00.60,
• 7227.90.00.70,
• 7227.90.00.81,
• 7227.90.00.82,
• 7227.90.00.83.

The CBSA will investigate whether the imports are being dumped and will make a preliminary decision within 90 days, at which time provisional duties may apply.

The products subject to antidumping duty investigation currently fall under Customs Tariff Statistics Position Numbers 7213.91.00.42, 7213.91.00.43, 7213.91.00.49, 7213.91.00.50, 7213.91.00.60, 7213.91.00.70, 7213.99.00.11, 7213.99.00.12, 7213.99.00.31, 7213.99.00.32, 7213.99.00.51, 7213.99.00.52, 7227.20.00.20, 7227.20.00.90, 7227.90.00.60, 7227.90.00.70, 7227.90.00.81, 7227.90.00.82, and 7227.90.00.83.

It seems like everybody in the global long steel products is waiting for some really positive developments to materialize. However, unfortunately, there is no substantive positive news coming out of China. Nevertheless, the country is driving iron ore prices and coal prices, while many long product mills are working to keep margins between scrap and finished products on the plus side. Meanwhile, China is reporting that rebar produced by both EAF-based and BF-based producers in the country are being transacted without positive margins.

Longs demand in EU hit by variety of negative factors

EU import quotas for wire rod were oversubscribed by early January. Overall, demand was down by 17 percent for reinforcing bars and down 10 percent for wire rods in Europe, but Germany was affected the worst. The reasons are, of course, high interest rates, higher costs and the increase of bureaucracy due to environmental regulations by Brussels and local governments. EU mills’ prices have increased slightly due to costs. Going forward, a lot of wire rod and reinforcing bar shipments are expected from North Africa and Turkey.

Turkey’s longs exports to Israel under threat, new safeguard impacts wire rod imports

The political dispute between Israel and Turkey may affect Turkish mills’ biggest export market. The recently announced safeguard measure against wire rod imports in Turkey has practically closed opportunities for wire rod imports since the import duty is quite high for the regularly purchased origins, while the quotas will be viable businesswise only for supplies from some countries. It is highly likely that imports from Egypt and Malaysia will now be excluded from the Turkish market. Russian exports will also be halted unless the Russian mills agree to absorb the $175/mt tax.

Positive sentiment prevails in US longs market

Demand in the US has not changed much. However, as interest rates are coming down, sentiment in the markets is upbeat. The mood is positive in particular in residential  construction. As for imports, there are only two countries, Egypt and Algeria, that are exporting some volumes to the US. The long-standing traditional exporter, Turkey, is not  competitive anymore due to very high antidumping rates.

Longs producers in US happy with prices and volumes

The US is certainly an outlier, spreading higher prices to Canada and Mexico.  The margins between prices of scrap and sheet are euphoric, while no long product producer in the US can complain about selling prices and less-than-decent volumes.

Interest rate cuts, if enacted, could give boost

Inflation seems to be going down in the US and the EU. If central banks start reducing interest rates, it may give a serious boost to economies once again.

Fears of recession and geopolitical uncertainties add to negativity

Other than the abovementioned factors, there are not many positives in the market due to the seasonal slowdown in most of the world and recessions in many countries as well  as political uncertainties. There are two full-scale wars going on and Red Sea interruptions have now added to the cost of shipping, making business even harder. Generally,  there is a high risk of markets becoming even more local due to trade route disruptions such as those in the Red Sea and also in the Panama Canal.

Competition becomes more and more local

Competition in the market is becoming more and more local. Most would say it is difficult to compete as you start with a loss and stay with a loss if you transact any new kind of business. Some close-by repetitive business keeps most mills afloat.

Market status mostly stable but low, outlook is challenging

Under these circumstances, the current status of the market can be described as mostly stable but on the low side, while the outlook is challenging and slow.

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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.