General demand for long products in France is considered to be good with prices mostly remaining stable despite the current uncertainties on the wider international scene, distributors tell Kallanish.

However, the tense market situation, low demand and overcapacity continues to affect the market for merchant bar. Base prices are at an average €80/tonne ($87/t) delivered. Including average size extras of €420/t, the finished delivered price is at €500-510/t. Competition from Spanish merchant bars is particularly harsh in France, sources say.

While rebar prices have flattened at €220-225/t base delivered, demand remains particularly patchy for welded tube for which discounts have increased to 43-44 points, up from 40 points of last month. Each point is equivalent to €10/t, sources say.

There is some concern that further falls in scrap prices in October may bring down the price of steel products for concrete reinforcement, Kallanish hears.