IREPAS in Istanbul: War in Ukraine has fundamentally changed sentiment and product flows
The 86th meeting of IREPAS (the International Rebar Exporters and Producers Association) was held in Istanbul, Turkey, on May 29-31, 2022, in conjunction with the SteelOrbis Spring ’22 Conference. There were 191 producer representatives from 60 different companies among the record high 766 registered delegates from a total of 59 different countries. There were also 105 registrations representing 51 different raw material suppliers. At the opening... Read More
Short Range Outlook : February 2022
Global longs market boosted by improving demand and many positive factors Demand is picking up in the global long steel products market after the holidays and it will be even better once the weather becomes warmer in the northern hemisphere. It seems the market is getting back to normal. Section 232 is practically over. General demand is strengthening with the pandemic possibly coming to an end. Bottlenecks seem to be easing somewhat, such as breakbulk... Read More
Short Range Outlook : December 2021
Demand slows in global longs market, higher costs to reduce price erosion Demand is slowing down in the global long steel products market as we have entered the slow season in the northern hemisphere and the holidays are approaching. Market activity may remain slow until the Chinese New Year holidays and so we may see further price erosion in the coming weeks. However, such erosion should be limited due to higher costs of production. There is an energy... Read More
Short Range Outlook : November 2021
Supply and demand balanced in global longs market, energy costs and logistics bring uncertainties Supply and demand are balanced in the global long steel products market, as regional producers are now back to almost normal lead times. Energy prices are soaring and logistical challenges have made business more uncertain, though underlying demand remains solid in Europe and North America. The ongoing weakness in China may slow its imports, which could... Read More
85th IREPAS meeting : Markets have never been better, great time to be in steel business
The 85th meeting of IREPAS (the International Rebar Exporters and Producers Association) was held as a virtual event to ensure the health and well-being of all participants, on October 18, 2021 in conjunction with the SteelOrbis Fall’21 Conference. There were 223 producer representatives among the 918 registered delegates from a total of 70 different countries. There were also 69 registrations representing 31 different raw material suppliers. At... Read More
Short Range Outlook : October 2021
Demand to be driver of global longs market from now on, supply no longer an issue Supply is no longer an issue in the global long steel products market, and demand will be the driving factor from now on, though it will probably be rather slow for a while because prices are normalising and delivery periods are becoming shorter. That said, this situation should be temporary. The cost of producing steel is increasing, especially on the energy side. Demand... Read More
Short Range Outlook : September 2021
Supply and demand balancing out in global longs market, freight still incredibly high In the global long steel products market, there are signs that supply has caught up with demand and that the supply-demand balance is becoming more neutral. The market seems to be getting back to normal in terms of lead times, prices, etc. We are now in a period where things have to get back to normal, which in fact may be different from where it all started. A price... Read More
Short Range Outlook : July 2021
Global longs market still positive overall despite logistical costs and delays Overall, the global long steel products market still looks positive, supported by strong demand, even though business has become more difficult due to higher logistical costs and time delays in getting goods from one place to another. Exporters are all under pressure due to the increase in freight costs. Container shipments are also very problematic. The only steel moving... Read More
Short Range Outlook : March 2021
Spring brings generally bright prospects for global long steel market The current situation and sentiments are generally very good in the global long steel products market. Order books are mostly filled to above average levels. The holiday season is over, winter in the northern hemisphere is coming to an end and vaccinations are progressing. These factors as well as stimulus activities, a will to return to normal, and strong investments are all strong... Read More
Short Range Outlook : February 2021
Sentiment improves in global longs market, concerns remain for February and March Despite some very good margins for December, the global long steel products market is facing more concerns for February and March. China did increase its presence in the export markets and did enter at prices comparable to other sources, but ended up lowering its prices quite quickly. In the current global market circumstances, sentiment is better and so a return to... Read More