For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The Steel Wire Rod Price Index in the USA decreased by 4% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025. The decline was largely attributed to softening demand from the automotive and construction sectors, coupled with easing raw material input costs and competitive import offers.
• The Steel Wire Rod Production Cost Trend remained steady, with domestic mills operating under stable energy and transportation conditions, though reduced capacity utilization contributed to minor inefficiencies.
• The Steel Wire Rod Demand Outlook weakened, as downstream manufacturers slowed procurement amid broader economic uncertainty and elevated inventory levels.
• Imports increased marginally, especially from Asian suppliers offering lower-priced alternatives, impacting domestic mill pricing strategies.
Why did the price of Steel Wire Rod change in July 2025 in North America?
• The Steel Wire Rod Spot Price in July 2025 is estimated to have edged slightly lower as transactional volumes remained thin and buyer sentiment cautious.
• Purchasing activity from construction subcontractors and OEMs was limited, with most participants waiting for clearer signals.
• The Steel Wire Rod Price Forecast suggests continued pricing pressure unless government-funded infrastructure projects accelerate.
• The Steel Wire Rod Demand Outlook stays subdued due to flat ordering patterns and import competition.
APAC
• The Steel Wire Rod Price Index in Indonesia decreased by 2.4% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025. The fall reflected tepid infrastructure activity and limited manufacturing output, alongside discounted offers from regional mills.
• The Steel Wire Rod Production Cost Trend declined marginally due to cheaper billet inputs and favorable domestic logistics.
• The Steel Wire Rod Demand Outlook was dampened by project delays, slower construction permit approvals, and weak private investment.
• Export momentum also lagged amid oversupply in Southeast Asia and narrowing regional price spreads.
Why did the price of Steel Wire Rod change in July 2025 in Indonesia?
• The Steel Wire Rod Spot Price in July 2025 likely stayed soft amid abundant supply and minimal restocking by distributors.
• Domestic consumption remained slow, with many buyers hesitant to build positions ahead of Q3 bids.
• The Steel Wire Rod Price Forecast indicates potential sideways movement unless infrastructure or export demand rebounds.
• The Steel Wire Rod Demand Outlook remains muted due to sluggish project execution and limited stimulus visibility.
Europe
• The Steel Wire Rod Price Index in Germany decreased by 1.3% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025. The contraction was driven by slow recovery in industrial activity, elevated inventories, and continued import pressure from Eastern Europe and Asia.
• The Steel Wire Rod Production Cost Trend was mostly stable, supported by predictable input pricing for scrap and semi-finished goods, but affected by lower plant utilization.
• The Steel Wire Rod Demand Outlook remained weak as the construction pipeline stayed thin and buyers delayed new procurement cycles.
• Imports remained competitively priced, further challenging domestic producers in maintaining margins.
Why did the price of Steel Wire Rod change in July 2025 in Germany?
• The Steel Wire Rod Spot Price in July 2025 likely trended slightly lower due to a sluggish demand environment and minimal price negotiation leverage for mills.
• Industrial buyers maintained conservative positions amid broader macroeconomic uncertainty.
• The Steel Wire Rod Price Forecast remains soft unless manufacturing output or regional infrastructure spending picks up.
• The Steel Wire Rod Demand Outlook is restrained due to delayed government contracts and export market headwinds.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
• The Steel Wire Rod Price Index for the North American region followed a persistent downward trend, ending Q1 2025 at USD 1,183/MT Ex Texas (USA) for A36–8 mm grade.
• Why did the price of Steel Wire Rod change in April 2025?
Steel Wire Rod prices decreased in the early weeks of April 2025 due to persistent oversupply, weak end-use sector demand, and heightened import competition.
• The Steel Wire Rod Spot Price was pressured by surplus domestic inventories and increased steel imports, leading to aggressive pricing strategies across the region.
• The Steel Wire Rod Production Cost Trend remained high, but cost pressures were overshadowed by weak demand, especially from construction and manufacturing sectors.
• Despite stable or even rising input costs, the Steel Wire Rod Demand Outlook remained subdued, with no substantial catalysts for short-term recovery.
• The U.S. market exhibited the most notable declines, both QoQ (–5.3%) and YoY, signaling deeper structural imbalances in supply-demand dynamics.
• The Steel Wire Rod Price Forecast for Q2 2025 suggests continued price softness unless inventory rationalization and demand-side recovery gain traction.
Europe
• The Steel Wire Rod Price Index in Europe showed modest upward movement, ending Q1 2025 at USD 709/MT FD-Ruhr (Germany) for rebar grade, up 0.8% QoQ.
• Why did the price of Steel Wire Rod change in April 2025?
Prices increased marginally in initial weeks of April 2025, supported by persistent supply-side constraints, rising freight costs, and added operational expenses from regulatory compliance.
• The Steel Wire Rod Spot Price was impacted by supply disruptions stemming from port congestion, shipping route changes, and equipment shortages across Europe.
• Regulatory developments, especially the EU Emissions Trading System, intensified the Steel Wire Rod Production Cost Trend, adding compliance costs to producers' burdens.
• Despite construction sector uncertainty, tight availability and firm costs drove prices upward.
• The Steel Wire Rod Demand Outlook remains cautiously optimistic, with constrained supply likely to support prices even amid moderate demand.
• The Steel Wire Rod Price Forecast for Q2 2025 indicates a bullish tone if supply bottlenecks persist and environmental compliance pressures continue to elevate producer costs.
Asia-Pacific (APAC)
• The Steel Wire Rod Price Index in APAC declined significantly during Q1 2025, ending at USD 493/MT Ex Shanghai (China) for Q235–8 mm, reflecting a 5.2% drop compared to Q4 2024.
• Why did the price of Steel Wire Rod change in April 2025?
Steel Wire Rod prices decreased entering April 2025 due to weak manufacturing demand, reduced export volumes, and seasonally low domestic steel consumption.
• The Steel Wire Rod Spot Price was pressured by overcapacity and limited downstream activity, especially in China.
• Although the Steel Wire Rod Production Cost Trend rose due to raw material and energy inflation, producers were unable to pass costs onto buyers due to poor demand.
• Seasonal slowdowns and muted recovery in infrastructure and real estate limited the Steel Wire Rod Demand Outlook, keeping prices under pressure.
• APAC markets faced downward pricing momentum despite slight trading activity increases late in the quarter.
• The Steel Wire Rod Price Forecast suggests continued weakness into Q2 unless policy stimulus or export demand improves significantly.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
The North American Steel Wire Rod market endured a difficult Q4 2024, with prices following a persistent downward trajectory. The quarter concluded with Wire Rod (A36-8 mm) Ex Texas in the USA priced at USD 1,164/MT, marking a 1% decline between the fourth quarter and third quarter and emphasizing ongoing negative market sentiment. Oversupply was a critical issue, exacerbated by increased steel imports that compounded already high domestic inventory levels. This surplus created a highly competitive pricing environment, forcing prices downward.
At the same time, demand recovery across end-use sectors such as construction and manufacturing remained weak, with limited catalysts to stimulate growth. This lack of demand further intensified the bearish market conditions.
As the primary price indicator for the region, the USA experienced the most pronounced price movements during the quarter. Prices recorded substantial declines, both compared to the previous quarter and the same period in year on year, highlighting persistent structural issues in supply-demand dynamics. The ongoing imbalance suggests the need for strategic adjustments to address oversupply and stimulate demand recovery.
Europe
In fourth quarter 2024, the European Steel Wire Rod market encountered a sustained decline in prices, driven by a mix of global and regional challenges. The quarter ended with prices at USD 678/MT FD-Ruhr Germany, reflecting persistent bearish market sentiment amid weak demand and excess supply pressures. Global disruptions of low-priced steel disrupted supply chain, while demand from key end-use sectors, particularly construction, remained muted. Additionally, high interest rates and regulatory uncertainties further strained the construction sector, a key driver of steel demand, exacerbating the overall decline in consumption. These demand-side pressures were compounded by oversupply. Additionally, Germany, acting as a bellwether for the region, experienced significant price fluctuations in line with broader European market dynamics. Prices in the second half of the quarter fell by an additional 1%, perpetuating the decline observed earlier in the period. When compared to the same quarter year on year, prices registered a sharper decline, pointing to the sustained structural challenges in the market.
APAC
Throughout the quarter fourth 2024, the Steel Wire Rod market in the APAC region has experienced a period of decreasing prices, influenced by a combination of factors. The market has been notably impacted by persistent oversupply, sluggish demand, and rising input costs. Furthermore, these challenges have created a downward pressure on prices, leading to a negative trend in the pricing environment.
In China, which has seen the most significant price changes, the comparison between the first and second half of the quarter revealed a slight decline of 2%. Additionally, Export volumes decreased, and the broader manufacturing sector faced reduced demand. Moreover, the overall market faced a decline in demand due to the traditional off-season, with a decrease in steel demand.
The latest price recorded at USD 510/MT for Wire Rod (Q235-8 mm) Ex Shanghai (China) signifies the prevailing decreasing sentiment in the market, highlighting the challenges faced by industry players in navigating pricing dynamics amidst a complex operating environment.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, the North American Steel Wire Rod market witnessed a downward trend in prices, reflecting a challenging environment characterized by a multitude of factors. The significant influence on market prices stemmed from a combination of weakened demand and increased supply dynamics. The market was predominantly impacted by a surplus of steel imports, leading to an oversupply situation alongside existing high domestic inventory. This influx of imported steel, coupled with lacklustre demand catalysts and weak market sentiment, contributed to the persistent downward pressure on prices throughout the quarter.
Within the USA, the market experienced the most pronounced price changes, with a consistent decline observed. The quarter saw a substantial price decrease compared to the same period last year, further accentuated a decrease from the previous quarter in 2024. The price comparison between the first and second half of the quarter revealed a notable 3% decrease.
Ultimately, the quarter-ending price for Wire Rod (A36-8 mm) Ex Texas in the USA settled at USD 1139/MT, reflecting the prevailing negative sentiment and challenging pricing environment.
APAC
Throughout Q3 2024, the Steel Wire Rod market in the APAC region has experienced a period of decreasing prices, influenced by a combination of factors. The market has been notably impacted by persistent oversupply, sluggish demand, and rising input costs. Furthermore, these challenges have created a downward pressure on prices, leading to a negative trend in the pricing environment.
In China, which has seen the most significant price changes, the comparison between the first and second half of the quarter revealed a slight decline of 2%. Additionally, Export volumes decreased, and the broader manufacturing sector faced reduced demand. Moreover, the overall market faced a decline in demand due to the traditional off-season, with a decrease in steel demand.
The latest price recorded at USD 1313/MT for Stainless Steel-201 CR Coil (1 mm) Ex Shanghai in China signifies the prevailing decreasing sentiment in the market, highlighting the challenges faced by industry players in navigating pricing dynamics amidst a complex operating environment.
Europe
In Q3 2024, the Europe region witnessed a decline in Steel Wire Rod prices, driven by a combination of factors. Global disruptions, such as conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, contributed to supply challenges, while weakening demand in the construction sector, exacerbated by regulatory uncertainties and high interest rates, further dampened market conditions. Furthermore, the market also faced pressure from oversupply, with production cuts by steelmakers failing to offset the downward price trend.
Germany, in particular, experienced significant price fluctuations, reflecting the broader European trend. Additionally, the quarter observed a decrease from the same period last year, indicating a challenging market environment. Within Q3 2024, prices remained stable initially but decreased by 1.5% in the second half of the quarter, highlighting the downward trajectory. Moreover, the market sentiment remains bearish, with expectations of continued low demand.
The quarter ended with Steel Wire Rod prices at USD 670/MT FD-Ruhr, Germany, underscoring the prevailing negative sentiment and indicating a generally bearish pricing environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Why did Steel Wire Rod prices decline in the USA during Q2 2025?
The Steel Wire Rod Price Index in the USA fell by 4% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025 due to softening demand from the automotive and construction sectors, competitive import offers from Asia, and easing input costs. In July 2025, spot prices edged slightly lower as buyer sentiment remained cautious and transactional volumes stayed thin.
2. What led to the drop in Steel Wire Rod prices in Indonesia in Q2 2025?
Indonesia saw a 2.4% quarter-over-quarter decline in Steel Wire Rod prices during Q2 2025, reflecting sluggish infrastructure activity, limited manufacturing output, and discounted regional supply. July 2025 prices remained soft amid abundant inventory and weak restocking interest among distributors.
3. Did Steel Wire Rod prices weaken in Germany during Q2 2025?
Yes, the Steel Wire Rod Price Index in Germany dropped by 1.3% in Q2 2025. Persistent import pressure, elevated inventories, and sluggish industrial recovery weighed on the market. Spot prices in July 2025 trended slightly lower due to weak demand and limited pricing power for domestic mills.
4. What is the Q3 2025 demand outlook for Steel Wire Rod across key regions?
The USA remains subdued, with OEMs and construction subcontractors delaying purchases. Indonesia faces muted demand due to delayed infrastructure and weak private investment. Germany's outlook is restrained, hindered by soft industrial activity, delayed contracts, and ongoing import challenges.
