Billet producers in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have become more active in export markets this year amid a slowdown of construction activity in the region, Fastmarkets has learnt.

The latest news and price moves to start the Asian day on Tuesday February 27.

The latest news and price moves to start the Asian day on Tuesday March 27.

International billet prices have been rapidly dropping over the past week as sellers and buyers from several regions tried to adjust to the effects of a weaker ferrous scrap import market in Turkey.

China’s crude steel output was largely flat during the last ten days of November.

China’s crude steel output rebounded in early August after falling steadily since late June, as a recovery in steel prices in the latter part of last month led producers to up production.

China’s steel purchasing managers’ index (PMI) hit a 16-month low in May amid falling spot prices.

The Shanghai Futures Exchange has revised its futures contract for hot rolled coil, in a bid to enhance market participation in the flagging paper contract.

Canada has established surtax-free quotas for imports of energy tubular products and wire rods originating in Mexico, effective from February 2, according to an official from Canada’s Ministry of Finance.

The latest news and price moves to start the Asian day on Thursday July 12.