Polish Rebar Prices Climb on Strong Domestic Demand and Weak Zloty

Rebar

German Supply Tightens as Rhine River Conditions Disrupt Scrap Logistics

Wire Rod Prices Rise Alongside Rebar in Polish Market

Rebar prices in Poland rose sharply in early April due to improved seasonal demand and weakening import competition.

According to Fastmarkets, Polish steel mills raised their May rebar offers to 2,700 zloty ($703) per tonne CPT. One small supplier quoted at 2,600 zloty per tonne CPT, but this was not seen as market-representative due to limited product range.

The tradable price range for rebar was generally estimated at 2,650–2,700 zloty per tonne CPT. Fastmarkets’ weekly price assessment confirmed an increase to 2,600–2,700 zloty per tonne CPT as of April 11, up from 2,600–2,630 zloty on April 4.

Domestic Demand Strengthens While Imports Shrink

Distributors reported a notable demand uptick over the past two weeks, attributing it to seasonal construction activity. Meanwhile, Germany, a major past supplier, has suspended exports to Poland to prioritize its own domestic rebar needs.

German supply constraints have deepened. One top German mill has yet to restart operations since its December halt. Another producer near the Rhine River reduced output due to scrap transport issues caused by low water levels and rising logistics costs.

Currency Fluctuations Further Curb Imports

The weak Polish zloty has made rebar imports less competitive. On April 11, the euro stood at 4.25 zloty, up from 4.19 zloty on March 11. This exchange rate shift has discouraged imports while supporting domestic pricing. A mill source noted that with limited German supply and currency risks, Polish mills can comfortably sell at 2,700 zloty per tonne CPT.

Interestingly, Poland is now reportedly exporting rebar to Germany—marking a reversal of past trade patterns.

Import Offers from Ukraine and Turkey Surface

Lithuanian traders reportedly bought 35,000 tonnes of Turkish rebar and are offering it to Poland at €610 ($661) per tonne DAP. Ukrainian rebar was available at €575–580 per tonne delivered to the Polish border, although transaction confirmations remained scarce.

Wire Rod Prices Tick Up Modestly

Low-carbon drawing-quality wire rod also saw gains, with Polish mills offering at 2,850–2,950 zloty per tonne CPT. Fastmarkets assessed the tradable range at 2,770–2,850 zloty per tonne CPT. The price assessment rose to 2,770–2,850 zloty, up from 2,750–2,850 zloty the prior week.