US domestic, import rebar prices steady amid continued tepid demand, market uncertainty_ sources
US domestic, import rebar prices steady amid continued tepid demand, market uncertainty: sources
Published by:Melissa VanDervort<>
16 Apr 2025 @ 21:01 UTC
US domestic and import rebar prices were stable on Wednesday April 16, with sources reporting that sluggish demand and ongoing economic uncertainty surrounding tariff negotiations continue to hamper the rebar market during a slow spring construction season. Fastmarkets assessed the price of steel reinforcing bar (rebar), fob mill US at $39 per hundredweight ($780 per short ton) on Wednesday, flat since going up by 5.41% on February 12 from $37 per cwt on February 5.
Fastmarkets’ assessment of steel reinforcing bar (rebar), import, loaded truck Port of Houston for immediate delivery was $720-740 per ton on Wednesday, flat since going up by 0.69% on February 26 from $715-735 per ton on February 19.
Demand in the domestic rebar and general construction markets remains slow to average for this time of year — which is normally very busy during the spring construction season, sources told Fastmarkets.
We are steady, but not busy like we should be, a buyer said. What is happening with the tariffs is slowing people’s decision to build. We need to get all this tariff stuff behind us so we can move forward.
A second buyer shared a similar view.
I think the tariffs and negotiations are leading to some short-term uncertainty [in the rebar market], thus likely keeping decision makers away from pulling the trigger and starting projects, the second buyer said.
Distribution activity continues to be rather weak. Mill pricing is doing its best to hold stable with limited availability, and traders are hungry but restricted, a third buyer said. The uncertainty has everyone kind of sitting on their hands.
The spread between shredded scrap and domestic rebar was $405 per ton on Wednesday, up by 9.67% from $369.29 per ton on April 9, due to the decline in the shredded scrap price.
Fastmarkets’ monthly assessment of the steel scrap shredded auto scrap, consumer buying price, delivered mill Chicago was assessed at $420 per gross ton ($375 per short ton) on April 9, down by 8.70% from $460 per gross ton ($410.71 per short ton) on March 12.
Lead times are at three to four weeks, sources said.