<strong><br> <br> <span>Billet</span>: Billet prices remained stable, while higher energy costs limited the potential for a price decline.<br> <img src="" alt="بیلت" class="center-block img-responsive"> <br> <span>Long Products</span><br> <span>Rebar</span>: Rumors of an increase in the rebar-to-billet ratio at the Iran Mercantile Exchange, along with a rise in the exchange rate, provided some support to the market. <br> <img src="" alt="میلگرد" class="center-block img-responsive"> <br> <span>I-beam</span>: Supply management pushed up I-beam prices. <br> <img src="" alt="تیر آهن" class="center-block img-responsive"> <br> <span>Flat Products</span><br> <span>HRC</span>: Demand for hot-rolled coil was weak, but the rise in the exchange rate supported price improvement. <br> <img src="" alt="ورق سیاه" class="center-block img-responsive"> <br> <span>HRP</span>: Higher exchange rates and slab prices drove an improvement in Oxin HRP prices.<br> <img src="" alt="اکسین" class="center-block img-responsive"> <br> <span>CRC</span>: Weak demand led to a slight decline in CRC prices.<br> <img src="" alt="روغنی" class="center-block img-responsive"> <br> <span>HDG</span>: Weakness in HRC and CRC markets pushed HDG prices lower.<br> <img src="" alt="گالوانیزه" class="center-block img-responsive"> <br> <span>Weekly Analysis:</span><br> In the world market: Global raw material prices have remained stable, with little room for further declines. However, weak demand has kept finished steel prices unchanged, putting increasing pressure on steelmakers’ margins. This will ultimately lead to further production cuts, which will affect the breakeven point of production and push it higher.<br> Uncertainty continues to weigh on the global market, with the unresolved situation in the Persian Gulf preventing economic players from making clear decisions.<br> In 2027, the Middle East is expected to face a 27% supply surplus, excluding demand related to war reconstruction, while new production projects in Oman, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are expected to come online in 2028. <br> If tensions in the Middle East ease, reconstruction demand could change the market outlook. Oil prices rose last week, which naturally pushed up freight rates as well. This prevented steel prices from falling further.<br> <br> In the domestic market: Last week, supply remained unchanged, while demand stayed sluggish due to liquidity constraints. However, the market is facing a different set of dynamics from September onward. First, the gas price increased from IRR 120,000 to IRR 159,400 per cubic meter. Meanwhile, the reduction in power outages was noticeable last week, and electricity supply is expected to improve in September. However, electricity tariffs have risen to as much as IRR 19,000 per kWh for some producers. Therefore, despite increased supply, production costs have risen. Last week, truck drivers also went on strike at some facilities, which is likely to be resolved this week through higher freight rates. The borders will reopen on Saturday, which is expected to boost exports, with automakers particularly active in this area. The overall impact of these factors points to higher prices, although the key underlying factor remains the exchange rate.<br> <br> CBI average ex-rate: Rials 1,572,005/1USD <br> 24 Aug, 2026 <br> M.Chitsaz<br> Iran Steel News Bulletin<br> IFNAA.IR<br> Irsteel.com<br> <br> </strong>