Factors impacting TMT prices

The steel sector has always been a lucrative, yet expensive business in our country. The industry's sole strategy for survival is to reduce production costs. Hence, understanding the factors that drive TMT steel pricing is crucial. In this article, we will understand all essential components of the TMT steel bars pricing and the variables that affect the price.

Keep reading to find out more.

1. Demand and Supply - Demand for a product is an essential prerequisite for any industry. If there is no market need for the product, no one would want to produce it, and as a result, there won't be any supply. India, a developing nation, has a thriving infrastructure sector. As a result, our country has a huge market for premium TMT bars. The rationale is simple: Prices will rise in direct proportion to market demand. They will also grow in case the supply is constrained. On the other side, prices will decrease when supply increases and demand declines in the market. Therefore, the steel factory prices for TMT steel depend on the supply and demand for steel.

2. Cost of raw materials - Steel manufacturers use various direct and indirect materials to produce TMT steel bars. Two of the essential raw materials for the production of TMT steel are iron ore and scrap metal. Changes in their cost prices directly affect the output cost or the price of the TMT steel bars. Other factors include the availability of natural resources and industry changes. TMT steel prices are directly influenced by costs associated with labour and steel production operations and material costs. The cost of operating the steel mill will increase, for instance, if energy (electricity) prices increase. As a result, the market price of TMT bars will increase. Typically, blast furnace iron billets are used to make primary TMT bars. In the production of secondary varieties of TMT bars, recycled or scrap steel is used in an electric arc furnace. TMT bars made of primary steel will cost higher than those made of secondary steel.

3. Transportation cost - When establishing the pricing of TMT steel bars, other crucial variables that must be considered include the mode of transport used to ship the steel bars from the steel factory to the destination and the cost associated with it. For any steel manufacturer, choosing a freight option with a longer transit time can have a significant influence and significantly reduce expenses. Steel prices are significantly influenced by local and international shipping expenses.

4. Industry trends - The prevailing trends in the steel industry significantly influence TMT steel pricing. The price at which you buy steel can change due to shifting dynamics in the industry or even the related industries. For instance, if the automobile industry, a significant consumer of steel, is flourishing and doing well, then the majority of the steel production will be directed to that industry, lowering the steel supply for construction. The cost of TMT steel bars will consequently increase.

5. Time of the year - A significant aspect in determining the price at which you will purchase TMT steel bars is the time of year you wish to purchase them. Steel is no different from other commodities because its prices keep changing throughout the year. The weather, seasons, holidays, etc., influence the production and demand for steel. For instance, steel production decreases during harsh winters, and steel bar prices are consequently affected (increased) as a result.

After reading this article, we are sure that you understand how TMT steel prices are determined and what influences them. You must also be curious to know how should you plan your inventory considering all these factors in mind. We have written about it here. So bear these factors in mind the next time you want to buy TMT steel bars from a steel company. We are confident that you will choose wisely now that you are armed with this information!