- Rising input costs support BF rebar prices
- Weak demand weighs on trading, buyers quiet
In the BF rebar segment, prices have increased as mills raised their offers despite weak market demand. Buyers are reluctant to accept the higher levels resulting in slow trade activity. Market participants informed BigMint that buyers were struggling to absorb the price hike by mills earlier in the month. Amid limited procurement and cautious purchases overall sentiment remains subdued. Prices are likely to remain stable but with restricted movement unless demand improves.
Trade-level BF rebar prices increased by INR 500/t ($6/t) w-o-w to INR 47,500/t ($525/t) exy-Mumbai, as per BigMint’s assessment on 12 December 2025. Prices are exclusive of GST at 18%.
In the projects segment, prices opened at INR 45,500-46,500/t ($506-517/t) FOR Mumbai.
Factors behind hike in offers
1. Raw material prices rise w-o-w: BigMint’s Odisha iron ore fines (Fe 62%) index increased by INR 100/t ($1/t) w-o-w to INR 5,700/t ($63/t) ex-mines on 6 December. Strong demand and tight availability of high-grade ore kept offers firm, with several bulk deals concluded early in the week. Odisha auctions also saw active participation as buyers aimed to secure supply. Steelmakers continued steady procurement despite rising input costs, supported by stable sponge iron and billet prices.
Australian premium hard coking coal (PHCC) prices edged up by $1/t w-o-w to $207/t CNF Paradip.
2. IF rebar prices decline w-o-w: IF rebar trade prices decreased w-o-w basis due to subdued buying inquiries. However, fresh order bookings were lacking as buyers preferred need-based procurement. Manufacturers, however, have received adequate booking orders over the past two weeks, with smooth lifting of previously booked material. Inventory levels are assessed at around 8–12 days, varying by location. Given the current scenario, prices are likely to remain firm.
IF rebar prices increased only in Mumbai region by INR 500/t ($6/t) w-o-w reaching INR 44,600/t ($493/t) ex-works Mumbai as of 12 December.
The BF-IF rebar price gap narrowed w-o-w to around INR 5,500-6,000/t ($64-70/t) in Mumbai. IF rebars hold a dominant 65-70% market share in India.
Outlook
BF rebar prices are likely to stay range-bound in the near term. A meaningful price movement will depend on a pickup in buying activity.
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