Prices for Polish rolled products remain stable amid weak demand
Prices for rebar and wire rod in the Polish domestic market remained stable during the week until Friday, February 20, despite attempts by factories to increase supply, Fastmarkets reported.
According to market sources, factories increased their offers for long products, but buyers still resisted price increases, while demand in the country remained low during the winter months.
As for wire rod and drawing quality, the offers from the factories were in the range of 2900-2950 zlotys (812-826 dollars) per ton delivered, but the estimates of real prices were lower - 2700-2780 zlotys per ton delivered.
A deal was announced for the supply of wire rod in small batches at a price of 2750 zloty per ton.
"Demand is stable, but low. We are not seeing any growth yet," said one market source, adding that demand for wire rod is expected to increase in the spring, when consumption is expected to increase in key sectors such as construction.
Another trade source said that the market will not "accept" the price increase yet, as end customers are in no hurry to place new orders.
Fastmarkets' weekly price estimate for domestic steel rod (drawing quality) supplied from Poland on Wednesday was 2700-2780 zlotys per ton, unchanged week to week.
At the same time, offers from rebar production plants ranged from 2550-2600 zlotys per ton, excluding VAT. No new transactions were reported during the reporting period.
Fastmarkets' weekly price estimate for steel rebar, domestic, cpt Poland, on Wednesday was 2550-2600 zlotys per ton, which is also stable week to week.
Author: David Montagnier
Fastmarkets.com