According to Steel World Review, Iran’s domestic steel market strengthened during the past week, with billet and slab prices on the Iran Mercantile Exchange reportedly rising by 14% week on week, according to an SMM weekly assessment published on October 9. Around 61,000 tonnes of slab were traded, while firm domestic demand reduced the volumes available for export.
Some export-billet figures were included in Steel World Review’s previous briefing. The new assessment adds details on domestic exchange trading, slab availability and finished-steel sales.
Iranian billet export offers were assessed at $410–415 per tonne FOB, with at least 10,000 tonnes of 3SP billet reportedly sold at $413/t FOB for a Gulf destination. Executable slab levels were estimated at $405–410/t FOB, compared with mill targets of $430–435/t. SMM said the gap led one producer to withdraw its offers.
This gap highlights the disparity between sellers’ price expectations and the market’s purchasing power. An increase in domestic prices does not necessarily mean that export markets will accept a similar rise, particularly when buyers must also factor in transportation costs, the risk of delays, and the financial constraints associated with trading with Iran.
Export rebar quotations moved to $455–477/t FCA border, while wire rod was offered at $510–530/t FCA. October hot-rolled coil cargoes to Iraq were reported sold at $545–560/t FCA border. Freight for cargoes below 5,000 tonnes from Bandar Abbas to Oman and the UAE was assessed at $17–20/t.
SMM attributed tighter availability to electricity and gas shortages, maintenance, mills retaining billet for internal rolling and difficulties sourcing ferroalloys, refractories and coking coal. Delivery lead times were estimated at 45–60 days. These are market assessments and have not been independently confirmed through plant-level production disclosures.
The key development is not simply a price increase. Supply constraints are affecting how Iranian mills allocate steel between domestic sales, internal rolling and exports. Higher offers will not necessarily result in higher export revenues unless overseas buyers accept the new levels.
