China’s domestic rebar prices rise on relaxed China-US trade tensions

China’s domestic rebar prices rise on relaxed China-US trade tensions
Published by:Jessica Zong<>
12 May 2025 @ 11:38 UTC

China’s domestic rebar prices increased on Monday May 12 on the news that the China-US trade tensions had eased after negotiations, helping to keep rebar market sentiment positive. Both China and the US have committed to revising the tariffs imposed on April 2 before May 14, 2025, and continuing negotiations on economic and trade relations, according to a report by Xinhua on Monday.
Substantial progress and important consensuses [have been] reached, Chinese vice-premier He Lifeng said during a press conference on Sunday May 11.
Commodity prices in the futures market rose on the news, according to market sources.
One trader based in Shanghai said the spot market became more active following the price increase in the futures market. He sold more rebar cargoes than he did last Friday.
Market participants were bullish on the rebar market, expecting the easing of trade tensions between China and the US to stimulate trade in the futures market and, in turn, support rebar prices.
Fastmarkets’ daily price assessment for steel reinforcing bar (rebar) domestic, ex-whs Eastern China was 3,060-3,080 yuan ($424-427) per tonne on Monday, up by 30 yuan per tonne from 3,030-3,050 yuan per tonne on Friday.
Market chatter The bullish outlook on rebar prices may prompt steel mills to consider increasing their rebar production rates. However, it is crucial for them to assess market demand before ramping up output. End-user demand for rebar is unlikely to increase solely due to the easing of China-US trade tensions, an industry analyst said.
Billet Fastmarkets’ daily price assessment for steel billet domestic, exw Tangshan, Northern China was 2,980 yuan per tonne including value-added tax on Monday, up by 40 yuan per tonne from 2,940 yuan per tonne on Friday.
Shanghai Futures Exchange The most-traded October rebar futures contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange closed at 3,082 yuan per tonne on Monday, up by 60 yuan per tonne from 3,022 yuan per tonne on Friday.