- Nepal rebar prices stayed stable as weak construction demand kept market sentiment cautious.
- Wire rod prices rose as tighter Indian supply strengthened regional availability and offers.
Nepal’s domestic rebar market remained largely stable during the week, with sluggish construction activity and cautious buying sentiment continuing to weigh on trading activity.
Cash transaction prices for rebar were unchanged at NPR 74,000/t (US$506/t), while material sold against bank guarantees continued to command a premium at NPR 76,000-78,000/t (US$519-532/t). Despite stable prices, market participants said overall demand remained weak, with limited procurement from end-users.
“Construction activity is still slow, and buyers are purchasing only to meet immediate requirements,” a market participant said. “If demand does not improve in the coming weeks, rebar prices may gradually come under pressure.”
Meanwhile, Nepal’s wire rod market registered a modest uptick, supported by tighter regional supply. Prices increased to around US$505/t CNF Raxaul as Indian suppliers maintained firm offers amid reduced availability and limited inventories.
Billet prices remained stable at $430/t CNF Raxaul border, with buying activity moderate and sentiment cautious.
Market sources attributed the price strength primarily to supply-side constraints rather than any meaningful improvement in consumption. Indian production and export availability have tightened in recent weeks, reducing material inflows into the Nepal market and supporting sellers’ pricing.
Looking ahead, market participants expect Nepal’s long steel market to remain demand-driven. While supply tightness is likely to keep wire rod prices supported in the near term, rebar prices could face downward pressure unless construction activity and purchasing improve.
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