Panic-buying drives up French reinforcing steel prices

French rebar prices are skyrocketing, in line with other countries, as demand is said to be booming. End-users and distributors are requesting material and stocking up, with some fearing further price hikes.

A “panic-buying” attitude for all reinforcing steel products is now pervading in France, caused by procurement uncertainty and raw material shortages amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Domestic rebar contracts are now at €1,000/tonne ($1,088) ex-works. This includes €260-270/t on average for size extras. Contracted prices for mesh have also increased to €1,050-1,060/t ex-works, sources tell Kallanish.

Cheaper Italian and Spanish material is not being offered in France as producers from these countries are also pushing up their prices. A rebar shortage is expected in these countries due to several production stoppages caused by the Ukraine war’s impact on raw materials supply.

No production stoppages are envisaged in France at present, as producers are well-stocked for scrap and raw materials, Kallanish notes.

Natalia Capra France