AZE.US
Rebar prices in Azerbaijan have begun climbing again, with some products gaining 10 to 15 gapiks per meter in recent days.
The increase comes as the Cabinet of Ministers extended additional customs charges on imported rebar and unreinforced glass. The measures, previously scheduled to expire on June 30, will now remain in effect through December 31, 2026.
Under the current rules, imported rebar is subject to a customs duty equal to 15% of the product’s value, with a minimum charge of $200 per metric ton.
Importers must also pay an additional customs fee of 150 manats ($88) per ton. The surcharge applies only to imported rebar and does not cover products manufactured in Azerbaijan.
Sellers expect the extended charges to increase the cost of imported material and eventually push retail prices higher. According to market estimates, one meter of imported rebar could become approximately 25 gapiks ($0.15) more expensive in the coming months.
Both locally produced and imported rebar are currently available on the Azerbaijani market. Depending on its diameter, one meter of domestic rebar costs approximately 1 to 2 manats ($0.59 to $1.18), while imported products are generally more expensive.
Local rebar prices have also increased despite domestic manufacturers being exempt from the additional customs charge. Sellers attribute the movement to broader market trends and reduced price competition from imported products.
Economists say the additional fees are intended to support domestic manufacturing by making imported rebar less competitive.
However, keeping the charges in place through the end of the year could raise costs across the construction industry, where steel reinforcement remains one of the most widely used building materials.
AZE.US