ESI opens new round of local billet sales middle east / long products

emirates Steel Industries (ESI), a key UAE producer and one of the largest in the GCC, has opened new domestic sales of billet. Although the price has increased considerably, it is unlikely to become an obstacle to close deals.

ESI entered the market with January production billet. The semis are available at

$460/t delivered, which is considerably higher compared to the level nailed down in latest deals. Although the specific allocation cannot be disclosed at the time of

the article’s publication, it is less than in the previous round of sales. Back then, at least 20,000 t of billet was sold to two local mills at $430/t delivered, market players estimate. Another local billet producer is expected to open sales soon.

even with a higher price, ESI is likely to find its buyers in the UAE. “There is a limited quantity and shortfall in suppliers. So, why not to turn these circumstances into the supplier’s advantage,” a market participant told Metal expert.