Lebanese imports of bar under HS code heading 7214 fell -37% on-year in the first quarter to 136,718 tonnes, according to Lebanese Customs data monitored by Kallanish. Their average value was $486/tonne versus $541/t in Q1 2018.

Rebar comprised 120,934t at an average value of $489/t. This tonnage compares with a quarterly average in full-year 2018 of 148,791t. Ukraine was the largest supplier in Q1 with 51,036t, followed by Saudi Arabia with 33,902t and Iran with 24,058t.

Imports of hot rolled flat products under HS code 7208 declined -26% in Q1 to 29,459t. Their average value was $531/t versus $600/t in the year-earlier quarter. The tonnage compares with a quarterly average in 2018 of 36,354t. Ukraine was the largest supplier in Q1 with 29,459t, followed by Russia with 5,435t.

Lebanon also imported 15,976t of coated sheet in Q1, down -27% on-year. China, Turkey and Italy supplied 5,526t, 4,633t and 2,483t respectively.

Export of scrap in Q1, meanwhile, slumped -52% to 67,942t. This compares to a quarterly average in 2018 of 99,826t. The main export market was Greece with 44,693t, followed by Egypt with 21,184t. By far the largest buyer in full-year 2018, Turkey, did not procure any scrap from Lebanon in Q1.