China
India
Italy
United States
TurkeyQ1 2025
In the first quarter of 2025, the Merchant Bar market experienced a notable price decrease of $529 per metric ton, FOB Shanghai reflecting a 1.14% decline. This downward shift suggests softening demand or increased supply pressures within the sector, potentially influenced by broader economic headwinds, reduced construction activity, or easing raw material costs such as scrap steel. The relatively modest percentage drop, despite the substantial nominal decrease, indicates that prices were initially high, which may have cushioned the overall market impact. Stakeholders may interpret this as a short-term correction rather than a long-term trend, warranting close monitoring of global steel market dynamics and regional industrial activity in the coming quarters.
Q4 2024
In Q4 2024, the Merchant Bar market experienced a notable price increase, with prices rising by $535 per metric ton, FOB Shanghai reflecting a 3.27% growth over the previous quarter. This uptick suggests strengthening demand or supply-side constraints, possibly driven by increased infrastructure spending, seasonal construction activity, or global supply chain disruptions. The moderate percentage gain, despite the substantial absolute rise, indicates that baseline prices were already elevated, likely due to ongoing cost pressures in raw materials and energy. Market participants may need to reassess procurement strategies and pricing models heading into 2025, as volatility remains a key risk factor.
Q3 2024
In Q3 2024, the Merchant Bar market experienced a notable price decline, with prices dropping by $518 per metric ton, FOB Shanghai representing a decrease of 8.98%. This significant reduction suggests a shift in market dynamics, likely driven by factors such as reduced demand in construction and manufacturing sectors, lower raw material costs (notably scrap metal), or increased supply due to ramped-up production or imports. The decline may also reflect broader macroeconomic conditions, including tightened credit markets or infrastructure spending slowdowns. Such a sharp quarterly drop highlights increased volatility in the steel market and may prompt buyers to reassess procurement strategies moving into Q4.
Q2 2024
In Q2 2024, the merchant bar market experienced a notable downturn, with prices declining by $569 per metric ton, FOB Shanghai marking a 5.16% decrease compared to the previous quarter. This price drop reflects softening demand across key sectors such as construction and manufacturing, potentially driven by slower infrastructure activity or tightened project budgets. Additionally, increased supply or lower input costs such as for scrap metal or energy may have contributed to the downward pressure. This shift could signal a broader cooling in steel product markets, requiring producers and distributors to reassess their pricing strategies and inventory levels moving forward.
Q1 2024
In the first quarter of 2024, the merchant bar market experienced a notable price increase of $600 per metric ton, FOB Shanghai reflecting a 2.97% rise compared to the previous period. This uptick suggests strengthening demand, potentially driven by increased activity in construction and infrastructure projects, as well as tighter supply conditions. The moderate percentage growth, despite the substantial absolute increase in price, indicates that the market may have already been operating at a relatively high price level prior to this adjustment. Overall, the Q1 2024 trend signals a resilient merchant bar market with firming fundamentals and possible inflationary pressures across the steel sector.
Q1 2025
In Q1, India’s merchant bar market saw a modest price increase of $572 per metric ton, Ex Raipur marking a 0.33% rise, largely driven by reduced inventories. Despite this uptick, the broader market faced headwinds as India shifted from being a net steel exporter to a net importer, with steel imports rising 30% year over year to 1.9 million tones and exports dropping 38% to 1.3 million tones, driven by subdued global demand and increased competition, particularly from China. Additionally, a surge in finished flat steel imports to a nine year high of 10.1 million tones further pressured domestic pricing. While the price increase reflects short-term resilience, the growing trade deficit and elevated import levels pose risks to market stability in the coming quarters.
Q4 2024
In Q4 2024, the Indian merchant bar market experienced a price reduction of $570 per metric ton, Ex Raipur equating to a 1.42% decline. This decrease aligns with MEPS International’s forecast, which projected a drop from $549 per ton in October 2024 to $526per tone in November 2024. Such a price adjustment may reflect a combination of factors, including fluctuations in raw material costs, changes in demand dynamics, and broader economic conditions impacting the steel industry. For stakeholders in the sector, this price trend suggests potential opportunities for cost optimization and strategic procurement planning.
Q3 2024
In Q3 2024, India’s merchant bar market experienced a notable price decline of $578 per metric ton, Ex Raipur equating to a 7.23% decrease. This downturn was primarily driven by a combination of factors including reduced domestic demand, global oversupply, and fluctuations in raw material costs. For instance, rebar prices in India saw a decline from $760 per metric ton in April to $742 by August 2024, reflecting broader market trends. Additionally, the global steel market faced continued pressure from oversupply and uneven demand growth, alongside declining raw material prices, contributing to subdued steel prices in the coming quarters. This price reduction poses challenges for domestic producers, potentially impacting their profitability and competitiveness. However, industry stakeholders remain cautiously optimistic, anticipating a market recovery in the long term as demand stabilizes and supply demand dynamic rebalance.
Q2 2024
In Q2 FY2024, the Indian merchant bar market experienced a notable price increase of $623 per metric ton, Ex Raipur equating to a 2.05% rise. This uptick was primarily driven by escalating raw material costs, including iron ore and coking coal, which elevated production expenses for steel manufacturers. Additionally, a surge in domestic demand, particularly from infrastructure and construction sectors, further supported the price hike. However, the market faced challenges from increased steel imports, which exerted downward pressure on domestic prices. Despite these external factors, the overall market sentiment remained positive, with expectations of continued demand growth in the upcoming quarters.
Q1 2024
In Q1 2024, India’s merchant bar market witnessed a notable price decline of $611 per metric ton, Ex Raipur marking a 5.40% drop. This decrease was driven primarily by a surge in low cost steel imports from countries like China and Vietnam, which led India to become a net steel importer during the period. The influx of cheaper foreign material pressured domestic prices amid sluggish local demand and rising inventory levels. These market conditions pushed steel prices, including those of merchant bars, to their lowest levels over three years. While expectations of a demand recovery later in the year fueled by government infrastructure spending and festive season activity offer some optimism, the market remains challenged by global competition and domestic oversupply.
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Merchant bar is a category of long steel products commonly used in various construction and industrial applications. These bars are typically produced through hot-rolling processes and are available in a range of shapes, including rounds, squares, and flats. Merchant bars are known for their excellent strength and versatility, making them ideal for structural frameworks, machinery, and general fabrication purposes. They are often used in the construction of buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure projects, as well as in the manufacturing of automotive parts and tools. Due to their ability to be easily processed into different forms, merchant bars contribute to the production of high-strength, durable, and reliable products that are essential for industries such as construction, engineering, and manufacturing. Their consistency in shape and quality ensures their importance in a wide variety of applications, supporting robust and sustainable development.
Packaging Type
Grades Covered
Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.
| Property / Specification | Details |
| Material Grades | Mild Steel (A36, S275JR, ASTM A36) |
| Common Standards | ASTM A36, EN 10025, IS 2062 |
| Shapes Available | Flat Bar |
| Thickness Range | 3 mm to 50 mm |
| Width Range (Flat Bars) | 20 mm to 300 mm |
| Tensile Strength | 400 – 550 MPa (depending on grade) |
| Yield Strength | 250 – 350 MPa (depending on grade) |
| Elongation | 20% minimum (varies by grade) |
| Density | 7.85 g/cm³ |
| Surface Finish | Hot rolled; mill finish |
| Tolerance | As per EN 10058 / ASTM A6 |
Applications
Merchant bar is a versatile steel product composed primarily of mild steel, commonly used in a wide range of structural and fabrication applications. It is produced in various shapes such as flats, rounds, squares, and angles, offering flexibility in design and construction. Merchant bar is essential for general engineering purposes, support frameworks, and infrastructure projects due to its excellent weldability, machinability, and strength. It plays a crucial role in the manufacturing of components for buildings, bridges, trailers, agricultural equipment, and industrial machinery. With its uniform dimensions and reliable mechanical properties, merchant bar ensures structural stability, ease of fabrication, and cost-effective performance in both commercial and industrial environments.
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PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global merchant bar price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the merchant bar market. By monitoring critical events such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and economic shifts, PriceWatch keeps you fully informed of market dynamics.
In addition, PriceWatch provides detailed forecasts and updates on production capacities, enabling you to anticipate market changes and make well-informed decisions. With PriceWatch, you gain a competitive edge in understanding all the elements that influence merchant bar prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely merchant bar market data.
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Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Merchant bar is a category of long steel products commonly used in various construction and industrial applications. These bars are typically produced through hot-rolling processes and are available in a range of shapes, including rounds, squares, and flats. Merchant bars are known for their excellent strength and versatility, making them ideal for structural frameworks, machinery, and general fabrication purposes. They are often used in the construction of buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure projects, as well as in the manufacturing of automotive parts and tools. Due to their ability to be easily processed into different forms, merchant bars contribute to the production of high-strength, durable, and reliable products that are essential for industries such as construction, engineering, and manufacturing. Their consistency in shape and quality ensures their importance in a wide variety of applications, supporting robust and sustainable development.
Packaging Type
Grades Covered
Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.
| Property / Specification | Details |
| Material Grades | Mild Steel (A36, S275JR, ASTM A36) |
| Common Standards | ASTM A36, EN 10025, IS 2062 |
| Shapes Available | Flat Bar |
| Thickness Range | 3 mm to 50 mm |
| Width Range (Flat Bars) | 20 mm to 300 mm |
| Tensile Strength | 400 – 550 MPa (depending on grade) |
| Yield Strength | 250 – 350 MPa (depending on grade) |
| Elongation | 20% minimum (varies by grade) |
| Density | 7.85 g/cm³ |
| Surface Finish | Hot rolled; mill finish |
| Tolerance | As per EN 10058 / ASTM A6 |
Applications
Merchant bar is a versatile steel product composed primarily of mild steel, commonly used in a wide range of structural and fabrication applications. It is produced in various shapes such as flats, rounds, squares, and angles, offering flexibility in design and construction. Merchant bar is essential for general engineering purposes, support frameworks, and infrastructure projects due to its excellent weldability, machinability, and strength. It plays a crucial role in the manufacturing of components for buildings, bridges, trailers, agricultural equipment, and industrial machinery. With its uniform dimensions and reliable mechanical properties, merchant bar ensures structural stability, ease of fabrication, and cost-effective performance in both commercial and industrial environments.
The pricing of Merchant Bar is influenced by several factors, including:
i. Supply & Availability
• Primary Production:Merchant bar is primarily produced in rolling mills that process billets or blooms into various shapes. Availability depends on the capacity of integrated and mini steel mills, raw material input (mainly scrap or iron ore), and regional mill utilization rates.
• Global & Regional Production:Major producers include China, the EU, India, Turkey, and the U.S. Disruptions in key regions (due to maintenance shutdowns, supply chain issues, or environmental regulations) can reduce availability and increase prices locally or globally.
ii. Demand from Key Industries
• Construction Sector:Merchant bar is widely used in civil construction, infrastructure projects, and non-residential buildings. Demand correlates closely with government infrastructure spending, real estate development, and economic growth.
• Industrial & Fabrication Demand:Used in machinery, frames, support structures, and equipment fabrication, demand is sensitive to manufacturing output, especially in industries such as transportation, mining, and agriculture.
iii. Grade & Product Specification
• Steel Grade & Standards:The price varies based on chemical composition (e.g., mild steel vs. high-strength low-alloy steel), mechanical properties, and conformance to standards (e.g., ASTM, BS, EN).
• Dimensional Variability:Merchant bar is sold in various sizes and profiles (e.g., equal angle, unequal angle, channel). Larger sections or specialized profiles often carry a premium due to additional processing and lower production volumes.
iv. Geopolitical Factors
• Tariffs & Trade Policies:Anti-dumping duties, tariffs (e.g., Section 232 in the U.S.), and import restrictions can raise local prices or shift trade flows. For instance, restrictions on imports from Turkey or China can drive domestic price increases in receiving markets.
• Regulatory Environment:Carbon emissions regulations, green steel mandates, and environmental compliance costs can affect production costs and supply, especially in Europe and North America.
v. Market Speculation & Investment Trends
• Construction Boom or Slowdown:Speculative buying tied to anticipated infrastructure booms (e.g., post-pandemic stimulus plans) or policy announcements (e.g., green infrastructure investment) can lead to price spikes.
• Steel Market Volatility:Merchant bar pricing is influenced by overall long steel market sentiment. When rebar, wire rod, and structural steel prices surge or fall, merchant bar typically follows similar trends.
vi. Alternative Materials & Substitutes
• Substitution with Fabricated Sections:In some applications, merchant bar may be substituted with hollow sections, welded structures, or cast components, particularly if steel prices rise sharply.
• Material Choice in Design:Design shifts to aluminium or composites in certain sectors (e.g., light manufacturing or modular buildings) may marginally reduce merchant bar demand, though substitution is often limited by structural strength requirements.
vii. Processing & Refinement Costs
• Raw Material Inputs:The cost of steel billets (from which merchant bar is rolled) is directly influenced by global scrap prices, iron ore prices, and coking coal prices. Input fluctuations directly affect finished merchant bar prices.
• Energy & Operational Costs:Rolling mills consume significant electricity and gas. Rising energy costs, especially in Europe or energy-restricted markets like India and Pakistan, can increase production costs.
• Transportation & Logistics:Freight rates (land and sea), fuel costs, and logistical bottlenecks (e.g., port congestion or trucking shortages) can influence delivered prices, especially for export-driven or import-dependent markets.
viii. Currency Exchange Rates
• Global Trade in USD or Local Currency:Merchant bar is traded regionally and internationally, often in U.S. dollars. Currency fluctuations (e.g., Turkish lira, Indian rupee, or Brazilian real) impact export competitiveness and pricing.
• Hedging & Contract Structures:Long-term supply contracts may include price adjustments linked to currency fluctuations, impacting cost predictability for both buyers and sellers.
Rising feedstock prices increase the cost of producing merchant bar, leading to higher market prices and potential supply constraints.
Inflation can raise merchant bar prices by increasing the cost of raw materials (such as scrap or billet), labor, and energy, while also stimulating demand in construction and manufacturing sectors where merchant bars are widely used for structural applications, thereby driving prices upward through both cost-push and demand-pull factors.
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