Short Range Outlook : June 2019
Uncertainty in global long steel products market increases dramatically The uncertainty in the global long steel products market has increased dramatically. Nowadays, the most stable region is China, where steelmakers have been increasing their weekly production volumes, whereas the rest of the world is just trying to hang on. Ferrous scrap and iron ore price trends decouple completely Ferrous scrap and iron ore price trends have completely decoupled. Iron... Read More
Short Range Outlook : February 2018
Global supply-demand balance for long products still looks good but caution needed on supply side While the supply and demand balance in the global long steel products market still looks good, the supply side is gearing up. Supply pressure is not expected to create big problems in the short run but may be an issue in the medium term if demand is not able to cope with it. Even Chinese companies have learned that dollars are more important than tonnages.... Read More
Short Range Outlook : February 2016
Slightly better conditions in global long steel market but significant risk still exists Conditions in the global long steel products market are slightly better as we can see a “better” supply and demand balance in China and the US due to output cuts at the end of 2015 and amid the restocking cycle in North America and Europe during the first quarter of 2016. On the other hand, there has not been much improvement on the demand side. Buyers... Read More
IREPAS in Rome: Participants agree prices are close to the bottom
The 73rd meeting of IREPAS (International Rebar Exporters and Producers Association) was held in Rome, Italy on October 4-6, 2015. There were 84 producer representatives among the 284 registered delegates from 35 different countries. There were also 30 registrations representing 22 different raw material suppliers. IREPAS chairman Kim Marti stated during his opening address that the main challenges the long products industry is facing are overcapacity... Read More
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