According to Kallanish and data from the Turkish Statistical Institute, the global square billet market in April 2026 saw moderate price increases ranging from $10 to $15 per ton across most regional hubs. The exception was the Persian Gulf, where prices underwent a partial downward correction after a significant surge in March. Market dynamics continue to be shaped by the shortage of Iranian billets, logistical constraints in the Middle East, freight fluctuations, and subdued demand in Southeast Asia.
Regional Price Dynamics and Key Market Signals
In the Black Sea market, average quotations for square billets on a Black Sea FOB basis rose by $11 per ton in April, reaching $470/t—the highest level since early 2025. Meanwhile, export prospects for Russian billets remain constrained by the strong ruble. Turkish buyers are targeting $495–500/t CFR, while suppliers expect at least $504–505/t CFR. This gap between expectations is increasing Turkey's reliance on alternative supply sources.
In Turkey itself, the average Ex-Works price for billets rose by $10 per ton to $548/t in April. According to Kallanish, the Kardemir mill successfully held tenders, with April 22 quotations reaching $535/t for S235JR and $550/t for B420 (excluding VAT). At the same time, the domestic market is facing a billet shortage, making imports a top priority for local consumers.
TUIK statistics confirm this trend: in February, billet imports to Turkey increased by 46% month-on-month to 430,000 tons, with Russia remaining the largest supplier at 236,000 tons. Meanwhile, Turkey's own billet production fell by 4.9% year-on-year in February, and exports dropped by 29%. This combination of factors supports domestic prices and intensifies competition for available import volumes.
Impact on the Rolled Steel Market and winox.ua Solutions
Square billet serves as a foundational price indicator for long products. Therefore, rising billet costs directly affect processing overheads and contract prices for rolled steel. For manufacturing and construction companies, this necessitates more careful procurement planning, especially given unstable logistics and regional raw material shortages. In this environment, businesses increasingly value predictable supply terms and reliable partnerships.
This is why it is crucial for industrial consumers to work with suppliers capable of ensuring stable pricing and dependable delivery. winox.ua, specializing in the supply of rolled steel, stainless steel, and non-ferrous metals, helps clients mitigate procurement risks during periods of market volatility. Amid fluctuations in the semi-finished steel segment, this becomes a critical factor for the continuous operation of manufacturing, metalworking, and infrastructure projects.
Additional pressure is mounting in the Middle East. In the Gulf countries, average quotations fell by $8 to $516/t CFR in April, though this is largely a technical correction after a $79/t jump in March. Iranian billets are unlikely to return to active export soon due to plant damage and a temporary ban on semi-finished steel exports effective until May 30, 2026.
China, Southeast Asia, and Future Outlook
In China, average billet prices in Tangshan rose by $11 per ton to $442/t in April, following the futures market. However, rolling mills continue to operate under weak demand for finished products, and some plants temporarily shut down mid-month due to environmental restrictions. This suggests the current price recovery remains fragile.
In Southeast Asia, Chinese offers at $470–475/t FOB and Manila prices at $499–504/t CFR are not seeing active demand. Buyers in the Philippines and Indonesia consider these levels inflated given weak domestic consumption, high logistics costs, and energy price uncertainty. Furthermore, supply is shrinking as some mills, particularly in Indonesia, shift production capacity toward slabs and hot-rolled coils.
Overall, the April market shows a moderate upward trend without a strong catalyst for a sharp price spike. Prices are supported by limited supply and logistical risks, while restrained demand in several regions prevents faster growth. For metal market participants, this means remaining highly sensitive to any shifts in supply, freight, and geopolitical stability.