Billet: Billet price saw no significant changes; the slowdown in long products market kept prices stable.
Long Products
Rebar: Rebar price remained unchanged, as warehouse inventories and weak demand contributed to a calm market.
I-beam: Weak demand kept beam market stable as well.
Flat Products
HRC: Hot-rolled coil prices have reached their peak, while demand has fallen to its lowest level.
HRP: The market does not have the capacity to absorb higher prices. As a result, Oxin steel plate prices remained unchanged.
CRC: CRC price did not change; demand remains weak, but supply is limited.
HDG: Weak demand prevented any price changes in HDG market.
Weekly Analysis:
In the world market: The global market saw no significant changes compared to last week. The impact of rising oil prices on steel costs has been effectively offset by the market slowdown, but its effect in the coming months cannot be denied, as higher transportation and production costs will become evident starting next month.
In the domestic market: In the domestic market, rumors regarding regulatory enforcement activities caused the recession in flat products market to deepen further. The capable minds of Iranian engineers are trying to fill the gap left by Mobarakeh by substituting 200×200 billets for slabs. Mills such as Haft Almas are also covering part of the CRC demand shortage. Mobarakeh’s absence from the market has created opportunities for smaller producers.
On the other hand, due to wartime conditions, demand has declined significantly. There is also talk of importing steel sheets from Turkey and Russia, but no substantial developments have been observed so far.
The only factor that could seriously disrupt the market is the exchange rate. In the long products sector, credit-based sales along with traders’ inventories are preventing price increases. This trend will continue as long as demand does not return to the market, while rebar producers continue their efforts to stimulate market activity.
Under the current conditions, the exchange rate remains the only factor that could destabilize the market. The government has so far prevented further currency appreciation through the tactic of supplying via banks.
In any case, this year is expected to remain a period of stagflation unless policy changes are introduced.
CBI average ex-rate: Rials 1,481,795/ 1USD
18 May, 2026
M.Chitsaz
Iran Steel News Bulletin
IFNAA.IR