 |
| Rebar |
Stable pricing holds despite falling scrap and cheaper overseas offers as buyers stick with domestic supply
German Rebar Prices Hold Firm Against Import Pressure
German rebar prices remain stable in early June despite declining scrap values and a rise in lower-cost import offers. Market sources say buyers are not switching to imports in significant volumes, citing logistical constraints and cautious procurement behavior. Domestic prices are seen between €665–695/t ex-works, composed of a base of €400–430/t plus size extras.
Imports Attractive Only Near Ports, Not Inland
Import offers from Algeria, priced around €600/t CIF German port, are gaining some interest at northern ports. However, buyers further inland find such deals less viable due to higher transport costs and bulk volume requirements. An eastern German stockholder notes Algerian offers at €630/t delivered, but highlights limited size range and an all-or-nothing load size of 5,000t—risky for buyers amid subdued construction activity.
Austria Also Shows Preference for Domestic and Nearby Supply
In Austria, rebar pricing is similarly stable. Offers from domestic and German mills range between €630–640/t delivered. Italian mills are quoting base prices of €360–370/t delivered, roughly €100 above their own domestic levels, reflecting logistical bottlenecks and a preference to serve their home market. For rebar in coil, Austrian buyers see minimal price difference between domestic (€660) and Italian (€650) sources. Yet availability remains limited, particularly in northern Germany, where coil shortages persist. However, a €20/t premium over bars is still the norm, despite scarcity.
ScrapInsight Editorial View:
Rebar price stability in Germany and Austria is less about strong demand and more about restrained competition from imports and logistical limits. With construction activity weak, buyers are reluctant to commit to bulk purchases, especially for imported cargoes requiring full-vessel lots. If demand remains flat into summer, even consistent domestic pricing may face pressure unless public infrastructure projects accelerate. For now, mills are benefiting from buyer caution and import inefficiencies to hold their ground.
Tags
STEEL
