<span>In Turkey, a continuing increase in scrap and billet prices together with exchange rate fluctuations have once again affected domestic quotations of finished long products. However, buyers have sufficient stocks and are less active now, thus trying to bring some stability to the market. Suppliers are still optimistic and intend to stick to the upward trend at least till late January, since good weather favours continuation of construction works. But, it is possible that the prices will roll back a little bit since mid-January. <br> Yet, despite a $28-34/t increase in rebar prices including exchange rate fluctuations (TRY 60-70/t), some stockists keep buying the products, but in small lots only. Domestic prices and changes in the dollar terms exclude 18% VAT, those in the Turkish lira are VAT-inclusive. The exchange rate is $1 = TRY 1.56. Due to sharp fluctuation of exchange rates, some producers have changed prices several times this week, and even within one day. Thus, Icdas on January 10 offered rebar at $713/t (TRY 1,330/t) EXW, at the exchange rate of $1 = TRY 1.58, but a few hours later raised the price to $719/t (TRY 1,350/t) EXW at the exchange rate $1 = TRY 1.59. However, by mid-January, the price has increased by $14/t on stronger Turkish lira. Meanwhile, Kardemir offered rebar at $708/t (TRY 1,311/t) EXW in the first day of the week, having sold 14,000 t. Next day, its offers were at as much as $730/t (TRY 1,361/t) EXW; such a fast return to the market means the producer wants to defend clients, who had made purchases earlier, and let end users understand the upward trend is continuing. <br> Some producers and stockists announce their willingness to sell the material at $709-714/t (TRY 1,305-1,315/t) EXW/ex-warehouse by the end of the week. <br> Prices also grow in the segment of mesh-quality wire rod, however, suppliers can easily sell the material in most regions due to decreased supply and stable demand. <br> Regarding semi-finished products, square billet quotations have increased by $25/t over the week. Suppliers still count on active trading, although buyers are now more cautious about purchases, doubting the current trend will continue into February. <br> (Source: <a href="http://www.metalexpert-group.com/">www.metalexpert-group.com</a> )</span>