Iron ore futures and spot prices strengthened as market speculation emerged that a large mine could face trade restrictions, raising structural supply concerns. Traders offered actively and steel mills bought on demand. Prices are expected to drift higher in the short term despite relatively high port inventories and arrivals.
Iron ore prices fell to a year-to-date low this week as port arrivals surged and environmental production cuts in Tangshan reduced hot metal output, weighing on demand. Sentiment has partly recovered and steel mills are resuming blast furnaces, so a limited corrective rebound is expected next week despite continued port inventory accumulation.
In Q1 2025, the European merchant bar experienced upward price pressures, led mainly by the volatility of steel and scrap markets. Although at the start of the quarter the market was quite flat with modest movements, especially in France where merchant bar prices remained stable, wider regional trends started moving upwards because of rising input costs and pressures from outside markets.
Steelmakers introduced modest price hikes on long products, such as merchant bars, due to increasing scrap prices and low availability of some materials. Germany and Austria experienced significant rises in scrap prices, with high demand from steel mills and strong export business to markets such as Türkiye. Simultaneously, United States protectionism and anticipated cutbacks in European safeguard quotas injected uncertainty and cost pressures at every stage of the supply chain.
Ultimately, increased energy prices, scrap scarcity, and depleted inventories added to greater producer pressure to raise prices at the end of the quarter. In spite of comparatively sluggish building activity and continued French construction sector weakness, merchant bar prices in Europe indicated the potential for price escalation. Market players pointed to increasing hesitation by buyers to buy at higher prices, but producers held firm because of rising production costs and compressing supply conditions.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, European merchant bar prices will stabilize over time as scrap availability continues to improve and market demand adjusts accordingly. Yet any additional regulatory developments or supply chain disruptions may affect near-term price dynamics.
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Merchant bar is a category of hot-rolled steel products commonly used in construction, manufacturing, and fabrication. It includes flat bars, angles, channels, and rounds, which are essential for structural support, frames, and reinforcement. Known for their strength, versatility, and ease of welding and cutting, merchant bars are widely used in infrastructure, machinery, and general engineering applications. Their durability and availability in various sizes make them a practical choice for both industrial and commercial projects requiring reliable steel components.
ArcelorMittal S.A., Nucor Corp., Nippon Steel Corporation, Tata Steel Ltd., JSW Steel, Shagang Group Inc., Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
Supplier Database AvailabilityYes
Customization ScopeThe report can be customized as per the requirements of the customer
Post-Sale Analyst Support360-degree analyst support after report delivery
Note: Our supplier search experts can assist your procurement teams in compiling and validating a list of suppliers indicating they have products, services, and capabilities that meet your company's needs.
Merchant bars are widely used in industrial applications due to their strength, versatility, and ease of fabrication. They are essential in the construction of machinery frames, support structures, storage racks, and equipment bases. In manufacturing, merchant bars serve as key components in the production of tools, ladders, trailers, and conveyor systems. Their use extends to infrastructure projects, including bridges and industrial buildings, where structural integrity is crucial.
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