<span>Demand for Turkish medium structurals is still weak everywhere in view of unstable situation in some countries of the Middle East and North Africa and no new deals on scrap have been reported so far. However, Turkish manufacturers have managed to avoid large losses. They have left domestic quotations in national currency unchanged w-o-w, reducing export offers by $5/t. Nevertheless, market participants still expect buying activity to improve in the next two weeks, as stocks of local and foreign traders are dwindling. Besides, construction companies are resuming their projects. <br> Producers quote their structurals to foreign markets at $715-740/t FOB. In particular, 80-160 mm UPN channel is reportedly available to Syria and Lebanon at $720/t FOB and 80-100 mm equal angle to Morocco – at $715/t FOB. A number of foreign buyers bid no higher than $700/t FOB, but suppliers are reluctant to cut their prices that much. However, traders believe manufacturers may still grant additional discounts, of $5/t at most. <br> As for domestic prices, those in national currency have remained steady – at TRY 1,115-1,165/t EXW. However, US dollar quotations have lost $4/t on weaker lira, sliding to $693-724/t EXW. Domestic prices exclude 18% VAT. The exchange rate is $1 = TRY 1.61. Traders report Celsantas Celik Mamulleri (Karabuk region) is quoting the lowest prices for equal angle as always, while Tosyali Holding (Iskenderun region) is offering its material at the levels much lower even than the general price range. At the same time, some companies, like Kocaer Group from Izmir region, who have either sold enough material or hope for active sales in the near future amid very weak competition in the region, are offering the products at higher levels. <br> <br> (Source: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.metalexpert-group.com/"><span><font size="3" face="Times New Roman">www.metalexpert-group.com</font></span></a> )</span>