Prices for square billets stabilized in June

Prices for square billets in most regional markets remained stable in June, with a slight downward correction to $5/t. This is due to weak export demand in most countries.

The Black Sea market for square billets (on Black Sea FOB terms) is seeing price stability. Quotations for the product in June fluctuated in the range of $433-435/t. This price offer looks more attractive to Turkish buyers, as products from domestic manufacturers are significantly more expensive. For example, the Kardemir plant sells billets at $485-495/t (excluding VAT), having reduced its offer by $15/t in June.

Billet prices in Tangshan (China) are also relatively stable. June quotations ranged from $402 to $406 per tonne. The situation in this segment of the Chinese market remains difficult due to weak demand, which has not improved even after prices fell compared to March. This has led to an increase in inventories and temporary shutdowns of a number of production facilities. At the same time, the CISA association is concerned about the growth of billet exports from China and is calling for restrictions.

In other regional markets, prices for square billets also showed no volatility. Thus, in the Saudi market in June, prices for the product remained at $500-503/t (Ex-Works), and in Indonesia – $443-445/t (CFR). The highest price for square billets is observed on the Italian market (Ex-Works), where the May price rose by $5/t to $562/t.

Average prices for square billets fell to $10 per ton in May. In mid-May, many markets saw a slight increase in prices, which was lost by the end of the month.

As previously reported, according to estimates by the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU), in 2025, average prices for steel billets may fall by 5.2% – to $478/t FOB Ukraine. Further, in 2026, prices are forecast to rise by 2.9% to $492/t, and in 2027 by 2.1% – to $502.5/t FOB Ukraine.