Spanish rebar prices keep moving up
Spanish rebar prices continue to rise, with levels gradually hiking by €15-20/tonne ($16.18-21.59) since the beginning of 2025. The recovery has been supported by increased demand in the construction sector, which is optimistic now at the start of the high season, sources tell Kallanish.
“Construction activity is resuming in Spain, with most private house building projects having started. The level of demand in the public sector is also higher. Increased activity is observed in the Valencia area, where recovery funds are already being used in the wake of the DANA [last October], Europe’s most catastrophic flood since 1967,” a market participant says.
The Spanish government is also prioritising large-scale infrastructure projects and works in the renewable energy sector, the source observes.
According to one distributor, rebar prices will remain stable in the coming weeks. “It is normal, at this time of the year, that purchases for small buildings improve. The end consumer is realising the market will not change much in March. April mill prices, however, will be subject to the current increase in scrap values,” he adds.
The monthly index for Spanish domestic rebar prices in February increased compared to the previous month, data published by the Spanish Chamber of Commerce show. The index stood at 190.51, up 1.34% on January. It was also up by 10.41% year-on-year. The index is based on a value of 100 in 2014.
16mm rebar is currently offered in Spain at €360-368/t ($353.3-360.5/t) ex-works base. An additional €262/t for size extras and loading expenses sees transaction values at €622-630/t delivered.
Todor Kirkov Bulgaria
European long steel prices hold steady amid weak demand, seasonal slowdown
European long steel prices remained largely stable Jan. 29, as mills sought to push offers higher despite continued weak demand and seasonal market slowdowns.
Market participants reported subdued trading activity, particularly in the construction sector, which typically experiences a seasonal slowdown at this time of the year. Mills remained under pressure from high energy costs and were looking to increase prices, but sources indicated that such attempts were unlikely to succeed given the current market conditions.
A Benelux-based distributor noted that while mills were keen to push prices higher, demand remained insufficient to support significant increases.
“Prices are quite stable, although mills would like to increase them due to high energy costs. Demand is not fantastic, so I doubt prices could rise,” the distributor said.
Another source added that mills lacked the ability to implement substantial price hikes, with a potential increase of only Eur5-10/mt at best.
Platts assessed Northwest Europe rebar at Eur595/mt ex-works, unchanged on the week. Medium sections were assessed at Eur790/mt delivered Benelux, also stable on the week.
Imports continued to be a weak alternative for European buyers, with long delivery times and CBAM-related obligations adding further complexity. Offers for medium sections from Turkey were heard at Eur840-850/mt ex-Turkey in mid-January, but sources deemed these levels unworkable given current market conditions.
Interest in low-carbon steel remained subdued, despite some suppliers offering certifications. Sources indicated that while premiums of Eur30-40/mt were being quoted depending on the mill, there was no obligation for the construction sector to use green-certified material.
“For construction, it’s not the best time of the year, and demand for conventional steel is already struggling,” a distributor said.
Platts assessed both rebar and medium sections carbon-accounted premiums at Eur35/mt, stable on the week.
ArcelorMittal increases longs prices in Europe
ArcelorMittal is increasing its prices for long products throughout Europe by €25/tonne ($25.6/t), Kallanish hears from market sources.
The decision was driven by rising energy costs, which are making current longs prices unsustainable. The steelmaker is implementing a price hike across all commodity grade long products, which encompasses rebar, mesh, sections, and both low- and high-carbon wire rod. This is effective immediately for all new orders.
Energy costs are projected to continue rising, significantly affecting the profitability of European mills. Energy tariff increases have been substantial since October 2024. In Germany, power prices have surged by up to 41% compared to October, while gas prices across Europe saw an average increase of 22%. Gas and electricity forward prices are also high. According to the Dutch TTF gas index, prices went up from €40/MWh on 18 October to €48.2/MWh on 13 January.
In numerous European markets, several steelmakers are raising prices of wire rod, sections, and rebar. The market, however, remains sluggish, with transactions primarily occurring only for low tonnages. Market participants are being prudent in light of the uncertain conditions in the construction industry, especially within France and Germany.
Despite the general market weakness, a large northern EU steelmaker sees “surprisingly improved demand” for some longs, particularly sections. This is alongside an increase in enquiries for rebar.
Natalia Capra France
European long steel markets return stronger post-holiday
Domestic European long steel prices rose in the week ended Jan. 8, even as market participants awaited clearer signals on demand following the holiday season.
The market’s cautious sentiment was reflected on mixed pricing expectations and ongoing hesitancy among buyers.
A distributor source said that it was still too early to predict the demand trajectory for the first quarter, as many had just returned from holidays.
“We will have to wait and see how the first quarter demand will be,” the source said. “People have just come back from holidays, and it is to early to say what will happen.”
A trader source echoed this sentiment and reported that domestic rebar prices in the EU were at Eur610-615/mt delivered, with limited upward movement expected.
Another trader source highlighted a lack of active discussions with customers regarding European rebar, as mills have indicated potential price increases but have yet to formalize offers. This uncertainty contributed to a wait-and-see approach among market participants.
“For Northwest rebar, I have not really spoken to customers yet,” the source said. “Mills say they will increase prices but no official offers yet.”
Platts assessed Northwest Europe rebar at Eur595/mt ex-works, up Eur10 week over week.
Tradable values were reported in a range of Eur590-635/mt delivered Benelux.
Platts assessed European medium sections at Eur785/mt delivered Benelux, up Eur15 week over week.
Tradable values were reported in a range of Eur780-805/mt delivered Benelux.
For green steel, premiums were reported in a range of Eur50-60/mt for CO2e content around 0 mt, under scopes 1-2. However, sources reported lackluster demand for green steel, citing the fact that long steel is produced through the low-emissions electric arc furnace route, as compared to the blast furnace route for other products.
Platts assessed both rebar and medium sections carbon-accounted premiums at Eur45/mt, stable week over week.
Italian merchant bar, sections prices tick up
Sources report that Italian merchant bar prices are showing a slight increase after steelmakers implemented a €30/tonne ($34) rise for July, Kallanish notes.
According to multiple buyers and sellers, the market continues to be sluggish. Despite a few increases in contract prices, sales volumes remain low. Merchant bar values currently range from €290-310/t base ex-works or delivered, with slight variations depending on the contract. However, material from other EU countries is priced slightly lower, at around €20/t less. With the inclusion of size extras, prices are currently fluctuating at around €700-730/t.
Section producers have also decided to raise prices by €20/t for July contracts. Beams are in demand compared to other long products, and supply is limited. According to sources, prices for the first category are expected to be at around €770-790/t delivered, which includes a €20/t increase. Some sellers agree this price is effective, but it needs to be consolidated.
Merchant bar and section producers are extending their summer shutdowns this year. Certain facilities are currently idle, while others will temporarily halt operations for approximately 5 weeks before resuming production in early September. Despite July’s dismal market start, there appears to be considerable demand for section sales because of the low stock levels across the value chain and low supply due to stoppages.
Natalia Capra France
French longs prices rise slightly
Long steel prices in France are experiencing slight increases or remaining flat, depending on each segment, with activity still subdued, as reported by various distributors and buyers. There is however a slight increase in apparent demand for rebar and beams, due to the Olympic Games in the Paris area and a technical restocking, Kallanish notes.
Prices have been raised this month by both Spanish and local longs producers, which is reflected in contracts. The increases in prices, on average €10/tonne ($10.8), are relatively moderate, sources point out. Stockists are making some purchases ahead of the August mill stoppages, while the distribution sector remains cautious in its buying approach. According to two sources, construction volumes continue to be low, with no sign of improvement.
The average delivered value for domestic rebar stands at €625/t this month. Merchant bar prices are experiencing slight increases in deals compared to last month, with prices at around €660-670/t delivered.
Sections are seeing renewed apparent demand, which is bolstering prices. Producers have successfully boosted values by approximately €20/t since the start of June. The estimated range for the first category of sections is around €760-770/t delivered.
Spanish producers have contributed to the price hikes in beams and merchant bar by also increasing their offers in France. According to reports, their willingness to compromise on prices has faded compared to recent months.
With the production disruption at Liberty Ostrava, sales opportunities in Europe have opened up for mills in the region. One producer confirms his longs order book has been satisfactorily filled.
The French construction crisis is continuing, as reported by national construction federation Fédération Française du Bâtiment (FFB). By the end of April, year-on-year, new building permits and new residential construction fell by 10.2% and 10%, respectively. In the first quarter, there was a significant decline in sales within the private property sector, with a drop of 29.9%. Similarly, sales of private properties experienced a sharp decline of 25.9% compared to the previous year.
Natalia Capra France
