Size margins, which are one of the components of rebar pricing in Germany and Austria, have been increased by some plants, which, according to Kallanish, is a rare occurrence in the market.
Rebar prices traditionally consist of a base price, which varies depending on market fluctuations, and an "additional size" for a range of thicknesses that remains the same. The last adjustment of these additional dimensions was made in 2015. Since then, for example, an additional fee of 265 euros per ton (US$306) has been charged for 12 mm fittings. Currently, this cost has been increased by 15 euros to 280 euros. Other additional sizes now range from 255 euros for 16, 20 and 25 mm to 365 euros for 8 mm.
The new prices were announced at two factories. In a customer newsletter, the German distributor names Baustahlgewebe/Badische Stahlwerke as the publisher of the new list, which is valid from August 1. According to the distributor, one of the factories that followed his example is the Austrian Marienhütte. "It will now be more difficult for buyers to make comparisons based on the new lists, as prices at other plants remain the same," the bulletin says.
The information of the German distributor is confirmed by the buyer from Austria, who notes that "the last price that was sold at other factories". The list has been in effect for an unusually long time; previously, additional sizes were adjusted much more often."He believes that "the factories have forgotten about this tool," but now they have reopened it and revised prices, despite growing pressure from profitability.
The base price of rebar in Germany recently reached a minimum of 350 euros per ton. With the previous additional size, a 12 mm thick beam would now cost 615 euros per ton; with the new additional size, the price would be 630 euros per ton.
Kallanish has contacted all factories in Germany and Austria to seek comments on this matter, but has not received any responses by the Tuesday deadline.
Christian Kel Germany
Kallanish.com
