What this market covers
Hot-rolled, drawn or extruded bars of iron or non-alloy steel with rectangular section, without ribs.
Typical segments
- Flat bar
- Strip bar
- Spring flat bar
- Fabrication bar
Why this market is moving now
- World trade grew 8% from 2019 to 2024, a direct read on cross-border demand.
- Spain is gaining ground: its exports rose 35% from 2019 to 2024, the fastest among the ten largest exporters.
Key figures
Global figures for this market, with the year each one describes. Use Cite to copy a reference to this page.
| Figure | Value | Year | Cite |
|---|---|---|---|
| World exports of rectangular hot-rolled steel bar (HS 721491) were worth $1.21 billion in 2024. | 1.21 USD billion | 2024 | |
| World exports were 8% higher in 2024 than in 2019 ($1.13 billion), calculated from the annual totals. | +8 % since 2019 | 2024 | |
| Italy was the largest exporter in 2024, with 17% of world exports ($204.9 million). | 17 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| The three largest exporters, Italy, Spain and France, shipped 37% of world exports in 2024. | 37 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| Germany was the largest importer in 2024, buying $213.4 million, or 18% of world imports. | 18 % of world imports | 2024 | |
| 41 countries exported more than $1 million of this product in 2024. | 41 countries | 2024 | |
| The average world export price was about $0.81 per kilogram in 2024, calculated from value and weight. | 0.81 USD per kg | 2024 | |
| Countries exported 1.50 million tonnes of this product in 2024. | 1.50 million tonnes | 2024 | |
| Among the ten largest exporters, Spain grew fastest, with exports up 35% from 2019 to 2024. | +35 % since 2019 | 2024 |
Calculated figures (shares, changes and prices per kilogram) are plain arithmetic on the reported values. Read how we work.
Buyers and suppliers
Who buys
- Fabricators
- Machinery makers
- Steel stockists
Largest exporting countries, 2024
Largest importing countries, 2024
What the full report covers
- 01Executive summary
The answer in one page: size, direction and what moves it - 02Market definition and scope
What is in and out of the global market - 03Global market size, 2021 to 2025
Historical series and growth rates - 04Countries and regions
Demand, supply and trade by country and region - 05Outlook to 2031
Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions - 06Rules, policy and deadlines
Regulation and programmes that change demand - 07Drivers and barriers
What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment - 08Prices, costs and margins
Unit economics where public data allows - 09Competitive landscape
8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves - 10Opportunities and risks
For new entrants, suppliers and investors - 11Method and assumptions
How every figure was built
Included with the full report
- PDF report, 40 to 60 pages
- Excel data pack
- Ready-to-use charts
- Method note and assumptions
- Written to order in 5 working days
Frequently asked questions
How big is the global rectangular hot-rolled steel bar market?
There is no single official market total. World exports of HS 721491 reached $1.21 billion in 2024, a direct measure of cross-border trade.
Which countries export the most rectangular hot-rolled steel bar?
Italy led world exports in 2024 with 17% of the total, followed by Spain, France and Poland.
Which countries import the most rectangular hot-rolled steel bar?
Germany was the largest importer in 2024, followed by France, the United States and the Netherlands.
Is world trade in rectangular hot-rolled steel bar growing?
World exports were 8% higher in 2024 than in 2019.
What is the average export price of rectangular hot-rolled steel bar?
Dividing world export value by weight gives about $0.81 per kilogram in 2024.
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