Weak Rebar Market Price around Osaka

Rebar market price slightly decreased to 57,000 yen per tonne around Osaka for base size with 16-25 millimeters diameter delivered directly from rebar makers to general contractors. Some wholesalers offer the reselling price at around 55,000 yen. Many dealers feel the market price would decline more.

Local actual demand maintains firm since 4Q 2011 while the orders slowed down in and after mid January when ferrous scrap market price downturned. One dealer source said secondary-third dealers completed restocking by early January and general contractors turned the stances to spot purchase.

Marketing competition became severe among local rebar dealers as a result. Some dealers had lowered the reselling prices along the users’ price cut offers. The market mid price decreased for the first time since early December.

Other dealer source said the users might increase rebar orders in March when there are building construction projects starting in or after April and ferrous scrap price is expected to rebound.