In January, Turkey's steel bar exports were even lower than the weakest monthly volumes of the crisis period, due to very weak demand in overseas markets.

According to the data provided by the Istanbul Mineral and Metals Exporters' Association (IMMIB), in January this year Turkey's total steel bar exports, including rebar, amounted to 314,169 metric tons, decreasing by 67.4 percent year on year and down by 39.13 percent month on month. Meanwhile, the revenue generated by these exports totaled $152.76 million, declining by 66.59 percent compared to January 2009 and down 36.78 percent month on month.

In January, the average export price of Turkish steel bar amounted to $486/mt, increasing by $18/mt or 3.87 percent from December levels, and up $12/mt or 2.5 percent from January last year.