US domestic, import rebar price steady amid tepid demand, market uncertainty
Published by:Melissa VanDervort<>
14 May 2025 @ 20:54 UTC

US domestic and import rebar prices were unchanged on Wednesday May 14, with sources depicting a muted market hampered by ongoing buyer hesitancy and sluggish demand. 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 $720-760 per ton ($36-38 per cwt) on Wednesday, flat after widening upward on April 30 from $720-740 per ton on April 23.
Demand in the rebar and general construction markets is stable but remains well below expectations in the lead-up to the summer construction season, sources told Fastmarkets.
Sources said that several factors are impacting demand and activity in the market.
Demand is steady, but [we are seeing] low volume for this time of year, a buyer said. Smaller [construction] jobs are trickling in, [but] large jobs are not. Uncertainty on pricing for all products is likely keeping demand for construction low.
A trader source said widespread uncertainty and a surplus of inventory are affecting activity in the market.
Tariff-related uncertainty continues to weigh on buying sentiment. Many customers accelerated purchases ahead of the early March implementation [of Section 232 tariffs], leading to heavier-than-normal inventories, the trader said. Additionally, broader economic sentiment and interest rate uncertainty are influencing decision-making, particularly in the private construction segment.
[Domestic demand] is showing some signs of softening in recent weeks, the trader continued. While certain regions remain active — particularly where ongoing infrastructure or commercial projects are in motion — others are experiencing a slowdown. Overall, we’re seeing a cautious buying approach, especially from small to mid-size distributors.
The spread between shredded scrap and domestic rebar was $440.71 per ton on Wednesday, up by 8.82% from $405.00 per ton on May 7, 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 $380 per gross ton ($339.29 per short ton) on May 9, down by 9.52% from $420 per gross ton on April 9.
Lead times are reported at three to four weeks, according to sources.