Egyptian rerolling mills are calling for a review of duties on billet imports, with industry representatives arguing that the measures have contributed to higher steel prices and forced some rerollers to halt production, according to local media reports. Egypt imposed a definitive safeguard duty on billet imports earlier this year, with the rate initially set at 13pct with a minimum of USD 70 per ton.
The duty was scheduled to decline to 12pct, with a minimum of USD 64 per ton, from September 2026 to September 2027. The measure followed a provisional 16.2pct duty imposed in September 2025. Gamal El-Garhy, chairman of El Garhy Steel Group, said rerolling mills are facing significant pressure following the imposition of the duties and called for a comprehensive assessment of their impact on the industry and market.
He proposed forming an independent committee comprising representatives from the Ministry of Investment, Ministry of Industry and Cabinet to review the situation and visit mills. El-Garhy said rebar prices had increased from around EGP 34,000 (USD 650) per ton when the decision was introduced to around EGP 41,000 (USD 784) per ton, including 14pct VAT.
As reported earlier, Ezz Steel has officially raised its rebar price by around EGP 1,000 (USD 19) per ton from October 1, bringing the price to EGP 40,850 (USD 781) per ton EXW, including 14pct VAT. El-Garhy said that rerolling mills stopped production after the duties were imposed, while some were able to continue operating temporarily using billet stocks that had already arrived at ports.
He argued that these inventories should not be considered evidence of a sustained billet surplus in the domestic market. El-Garhy further said that rerolling mills had not been sufficiently consulted before the decision and called for their production levels and operating conditions to be assessed using audited financial statements, electricity and gas consumption records and other company data.
He added that rerollers do not pose a threat to integrated producers, given their smaller share of the market.