The Algerian authorities were discussing imposing a 15% duty on rebar and wire rod from Europe, which aimed to eliminate the existing advantage that EU exporters have owned for many years compared to other suppliers. However, this policy rumor hasn't been confirmed yet.

According to market participants, the decision to limit EU steel products imports which could affect the domestic market was reasonable since there will be more and more billet imports from other countries.

Eurofer data showed that the exports of rebar and wire rod from Europe to Algeria were very limited in the first quarter of this year. Rebar exports from Europe only averaged 1,000 tons per month and wire rod export volume averaged 8,000 tons per month.