Short Range Outlook : September 2015
Long steel demand reasonable in Europe and North America for the season Trade for long steel products has been slower due to summer breaks in the northern hemisphere, although demand in Europe and North America could be described as reasonable for the season. Oversupply remains biggest problem Some oil producer countries are showing the effects of oil price reductions in terms of lower demand and currency devaluations that restrict imports. Oversupply... Read More
Short Range Outlook : June 2015
Slight improvement in trading atmosphere It seems that the general trading atmosphere has become slightly better in the global long steel market. The imbalances which we have gotten used to have diminished somewhat and therefore traditional trade routes seem to be chosen again. The strengthening of the Russian currency and the reduced influx of Chinese steel to far away markets are having an impact. Demand picks up in Europe, interest in imports declines The... Read More
Short Range Outlook : May 2015
Decent demand in global long steel market but excess supply still prevails The recent increase in metallics prices has imparted positive momentum to demand in the global long steel products market. Demand is still good in North and Central America and in some countries in South America. On the other hand, customers have been heavily destocking during the entire first quarter in some other markets, reducing buying quantities in these markets. Long... Read More
IREPAS in Paris: Long steel players continue to look for opportunities amid ongoing challenges
The 72nd meeting of IREPAS (International Rebar Exporters and Producers Association) was held in Paris, France on March 22-24, 2015. There were 95 producer representatives among the 304 registered delegates from 40 different countries. There were also 39 registrations representing 28 different raw material suppliers. On the last day of the conference, producers of long steel products and steel billet, as well as traders and raw material suppliers,... Read More
Short Range Outlook : January 2015
Lull in markets due to holiday period The global long steel products market has been quiet recently mostly because of the holidays in many countries, with business volumes shrinking to low levels. The market situation has deteriorated with strong and agressive offers in terms of volumes and prices, with demand stagnating. Many consumers of deformed reinforcing bars are squeezed by low prices and strong pressure from the construction side. What will... Read More
Short Range Outlook : November 2014
High levels of competition The global long steel products market is still showing a high degree of competition. Demand is strong in North America, the Persian Gulf region and the Southeast Asian market. However, other markets like the EU and South America are still showing some weakness. China is still influencing the perception of oversupply in the global long steel products market coupled with low prices. Indeed, availability is high, and mills... Read More