Short Range Outlook : July 2016
Volatility in pricing and availability still a challenge for global long steel products market The global long steel products market has been going through a volatile period since March this year. Volatility in pricing has led to swings in availability of both steel and steel scrap, and this continues to be a challenge for the business environment. With low inventories in general throughout the supply chain comes larger pricing swings. Mills currently... Read More
Short Range Outlook : June 2016
Global long steel products market once again under pressure from Chinese supply Conditions have deteriorated internationally in the global long steel products market during the past month mainly due to Chinese supply. Although it was expected, the global long steel products market is once again facing difficulties following a period of relief lasting two to three months. Higher-priced market sparks surge in Chinese steel output The initial price increases... Read More
Short Range Outlook : May 2016
Supply-demand equilibrium now healthier in global longs market Supply and demand have reached a healthier equilibrium in the global long steel products market mainly due to Chinese supply being more focused on its domestic market. Low local stocks in the global markets and stronger demand in the construction segment have also helped and consequently prices have jumped to what may be considered to be reasonable levels. Low stocks still observed in... Read More
IREPAS in Lisbon: Exciting times finally here after depressing period
The 74th meeting of IREPAS (International Rebar Exporters and Producers Association) was held in Lisbon, Portugal on April 10-12, 2016. There were 70 producer representatives among the 261 registered delegates from 35 different countries. There were also 35 registrations representing 25 different raw material suppliers. At the opening of the SteelOrbis 2016 Spring Conference & 74th IREPAS Meeting held in Lisbon on April 10-12, Kim Marti, the international... Read More
Short Range Outlook : March 2016
Improved conditions finally observed in global long steel market Conditions in the global long steel market is better as demand is steady or has edged up. Good news on demand side The long steel products market had recently fallen to price levels that made no economic sense and doing business had become questionable. The steel world dropped off into a senseless across-the-board price erosion from October 2015 until mid-February 2016. However, there... 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
Short Range Outlook : December 2015
Sentiment generally negative in global long steel products market Sentiment in the global long steel products market is generally negative due to the expected seasonal slowdown at the end of the year. Most markets are approaching holidays periods and, as buyers in many areas decided on their last purchases of the year in the previous weeks, activity has slackened lately. EU and North American mills have been able to get their orders Long product mills... 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
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