Deformed Steel Price in Pakistan:
Deformed steel bars are widely used in the construction industry, as they provide strength and durability to concrete structures. However, the deformed steel price in Pakistan is not fixed, but depends on various factors, such as raw material costs, production costs, demand and supply, global market, and government policies. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on the deformed steel price in Pakistan, covering the following aspects:
- Deformed steel price in Pakistan today
- Deformed steel price trends in Pakistan
- Deformed steel price comparison with other countries
Deformed Steel Price in Pakistan Today
The deformed steel price in Pakistan today varies depending on the grade and size of the bars. The grade refers to the yield strength of the bars, which indicates how much load they can withstand. The size refers to the diameter of the bars, which ranges from 8 mm to 40 mm. The higher the grade and size, the higher the price.
According to the latest data from [Steel Saria rate in Pakistan Today 2023 per KG Steel Iron Price] and [Steel Rate in Pakistan 2023: Amreli, Mughal, Agha Steel Prices], the current rates of deformed steel bars in Pakistan for different grades and sizes are as follows:
- Grade 40: Rs. 140 to Rs. 150 per kg
- 8 mm: Rs. 140 per kg
- 10 mm: Rs. 142 per kg
- 12 mm: Rs. 144 per kg
- 16 mm: Rs. 147 per kg
- 20 mm: Rs. 150 per kg
- Grade 60: Rs. 145 to Rs. 155 per kg
- 8 mm: Rs. 145 per kg
- 10 mm: Rs. 147 per kg
- 12 mm: Rs. 149 per kg
- 16 mm: Rs. 152 per kg
- 20 mm: Rs. 155 per kg
These prices are based on the average rates of the major deformed steel manufacturers in Pakistan, such as Amreli Steel Ltd, Ittehad Steel Industries, Mughal Iron & Steel Industries Ltd, etc.
The current prices of deformed steel bars in Pakistan have increased by about 10% compared to the previous month, and by about 25% compared to the same period last year. The main reasons for the increase are:
- The rise in the international prices of scrap metal, which is the main raw material for deformed steel production
- The depreciation of the Pakistani rupee against the US dollar, which increases the import costs of raw materials and machinery
- The increase in the domestic demand for deformed steel due to the ongoing construction projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and other public and private sector initiatives
- The increase in the production costs of deformed steel due to higher energy tariffs and taxes imposed by the government
The increase in the deformed steel price in Pakistan has a significant impact on the construction industry and the consumers, as it raises the overall cost of building materials and reduces the profit margins of contractors and developers. Moreover, it affects the affordability and accessibility of housing for low-income groups and creates inflationary pressures on the economy.
Deformed Steel Price Trends in Pakistan
The deformed steel price in Pakistan has shown significant fluctuations over the past few years, depending on various factors such as floods, currency devaluation, scrap prices, energy costs, tax policies, etc.
According to the data from [Steel bar prices rise to Rs197,500 per tonne] and [Steel prices rise for second time in April], some of the major events or factors that caused significant changes in the deformed steel price in Pakistan over the past few years are:
- In 2019, the deformed steel price in Pakistan reached a record high of Rs.197,500 per tonne due to a sharp increase in scrap prices and a steep depreciation of rupee against dollar.
- In 2020, the deformed steel price in Pakistan dropped to Rs.105,000 per tonne due to a slump in demand and supply caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns.
- In 2021, the deformed steel price in Pakistan rebounded to Rs.165,000 per tonne due to a recovery in demand and supply driven by CPEC projects and government stimulus packages.
- In 2022, the deformed steel price in Pakistan rose again to Rs.180,000 per tonne due to a surge in scrap prices and a further depreciation of rupee against dollar.
- In 2023, the deformed steel price in Pakistan is expected to increase further to Rs.200,000 per tonne due to a sustained demand and supply growth and a possible increase in taxes and duties by the government.
The future trends of deformed steel price in Pakistan depend on the current situation and the expected developments in the domestic and international markets. Some of the factors that could influence the deformed steel price in Pakistan in the coming years are:
- The progress and completion of CPEC projects and other infrastructure and housing schemes, which could boost the demand for deformed steel bars in Pakistan
- The availability and affordability of scrap metal and other raw materials, which could affect the production costs and supply of deformed steel bars in Pakistan
- The exchange rate of rupee against dollar and other currencies, which could affect the import costs and competitiveness of deformed steel bars in Pakistan
- The government policies and regulations regarding taxes, tariffs, subsidies, quality standards, etc., which could affect the profitability and sustainability of deformed steel industry in Pakistan
Deformed Steel Price Comparison with Other Countries
The deformed steel price in Pakistan is not only influenced by the domestic market, but also by the international market and the trade relations with other countries. Therefore, it is important to compare the deformed steel price in Pakistan with other countries in the region and the world, such as India, China, Turkey, UAE, USA, etc.
According to the data from [World Steel Prices] and [SteelMint], the average deformed steel price per tonne in different countries as of October 2023 are as follows:
- China: $800
- Turkey: $850
- UAE: $900
- USA: $950
- Pakistan: $1,000
As we can see, the deformed steel price in Pakistan is higher than most of the other countries, except for USA. This means that Pakistan has a comparative disadvantage in terms of deformed steel production and trade.
The main reasons for the high deformed steel price in Pakistan are:
- The high cost of raw materials, especially scrap metal, which is mostly imported from abroad
- The low efficiency and productivity of deformed steel industry, which is mostly based on outdated technology and machinery
- The high taxes and duties imposed by the government on deformed steel production and trade
- The low quality and standardization of deformed steel products, which reduces their competitiveness and acceptability in the international market
The implications of the high deformed steel price in Pakistan are:
- The reduced profitability and viability of deformed steel industry, which faces stiff competition from cheaper imports from other countries
- The increased dependence on foreign sources of deformed steel supply, which exposes Pakistan to external shocks and uncertainties
- The decreased affordability and accessibility of deformed steel products for domestic consumers, especially low-income groups
To overcome these challenges and improve the deformed steel price in Pakistan, some of the possible measures are:
- To increase the domestic production and utilization of scrap metal and other raw materials, which could reduce the import costs and dependence on foreign sources
- To upgrade the technology and machinery of deformed steel industry, which could enhance the efficiency and productivity of deformed steel production
- To rationalize the taxes and duties on deformed steel production and trade, which could lower the production costs and increase the profitability of deformed steel industry
- To improve the quality and standardization of deformed steel products, which could increase their competitiveness and acceptability in the international market
Deformed Steel Quality Standards in Pakistan
The deformed steel quality standards in Pakistan refer to the technical specifications and requirements for deformed steel bars, such as grade, size, shape, strength, ductility, etc. These standards ensure that the deformed steel bars meet the desired performance and safety criteria for various construction purposes.
The main regulatory bodies and agencies that monitor and enforce the deformed steel quality standards in Pakistan are:
- Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA): This is the national standardization body that develops and implements the national standards for various products and services, including deformed steel bars. PSQCA issues licenses and certificates to deformed steel manufacturers and suppliers who comply with the standards.
- Engineering Development Board (EDB): This is the apex body that oversees the development and promotion of engineering and manufacturing sectors in Pakistan, including deformed steel industry. EDB provides technical assistance and guidance to deformed steel manufacturers and suppliers to improve their quality and competitiveness.
- Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC): This is the professional body that regulates the engineering profession and practice in Pakistan, including civil engineering and construction. PEC sets the codes of conduct and ethics for engineers and contractors who use deformed steel bars in their projects.
The main quality standards and specifications for deformed steel bars in Pakistan are:
- PS 5310:2023: This is the latest standard issued by PSQCA for deformed steel bars for concrete reinforcement. It specifies the requirements for grade, size, shape, strength, ductility, corrosion resistance, bond strength, etc. of deformed steel bars. It also provides methods for testing and inspection of deformed steel bars.
- ASTM A615/A615M: This is an international standard issued by American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) for deformed and plain carbon-steel bars for concrete reinforcement. It specifies the requirements for grade, size, shape, strength, ductility, etc. of deformed steel bars. It also provides methods for testing and inspection of deformed steel bars.
- BS 4449:2005: This is an international standard issued by British Standards Institution (BSI) for carbon steel bars for the reinforcement of concrete. It specifies the requirements for grade, size, shape, strength, ductility, etc. of deformed steel bars. It also provides methods for testing and inspection of deformed steel bars.
To check and verify the quality of deformed steel bars before buying them, one should:
- Look for the PSQCA license or certificate number on the product or packaging
- Look for the manufacturer’s name, brand name, grade, size, batch number, etc. on the product or packaging
- Look for the surface deformations or ribs on the product that indicate its bond strength
- Perform a bend test or a tensile test on a sample of the product to check its strength and ductility
- Perform a salt spray test or a rust test on a sample of the product to check its corrosion resistance
Deformed Steel Manufacturers in Pakistan
The deformed steel manufacturers in Pakistan are the companies that produce and supply deformed steel bars to the domestic and international markets. The deformed steel industry in Pakistan is one of the major sectors that contributes to the economic growth and development of the country.
Some of the major deformed steel manufacturers in Pakistan are:
- Amreli Steel Ltd: This is one of the oldest and largest deformed steel manufacturers in Pakistan. It was established in 1972 and has a production capacity of 1 million tonnes per year. It produces various grades and sizes of deformed steel bars under its brand name “Amreli Steels”.
- Ittehad Steel Industries: This is one of the leading deformed steel manufacturers in Pakistan. It was established in 1978 and has a production capacity of 0.5 million tonnes per year. It produces various grades and sizes of deformed steel bars under its brand name “Ittehad Steel”.
- Mughal Iron & Steel Industries Ltd: This is one of the fastest growing deformed steel manufacturers in Pakistan. It was established in 2010 and has a production capacity of 0.4 million tonnes per year. It produces various grades and sizes of deformed steel bars under its brand name “Mughal Steel”.
These deformed steel manufacturers have some common features, such as:
- They use scrap metal as their main raw material for producing deformed steel bars
- They use electric arc furnace (EAF) technology for melting and refining the scrap metal
- They use hot rolling and cold rolling processes for shaping and sizing the deformed steel bars
- They use thermomechanical treatment (TMT) technology for enhancing the strength and ductility of the deformed steel bars
- They comply with the national and international quality standards and specifications for deformed steel bars
These deformed steel manufacturers also have some challenges and opportunities in the domestic and international markets, such as:
- They face stiff competition from cheaper imports from other countries, especially China, Turkey, and UAE
- They face high production costs due to higher energy tariffs, taxes, and duties imposed by the government
- They face low demand due to the slowdown in the construction sector caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns
- They have a potential market opportunity due to the ongoing and upcoming construction projects under CPEC and other public and private sector initiatives
- They have a potential export opportunity due to the increasing demand for deformed steel bars in the neighboring countries, especially Afghanistan, Iran, and India
Deformed Steel Uses and Applications in Pakistan
The deformed steel uses and applications in Pakistan are mainly related to the construction sector, as deformed steel bars provide strength and durability to concrete structures. Deformed steel bars are used for various purposes, such as:
- Buildings: Deformed steel bars are used for constructing residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings, such as houses, apartments, offices, factories, schools, hospitals, etc. Deformed steel bars are used for reinforcing the foundations, columns, beams, slabs, walls, etc. of the buildings.
- Bridges: Deformed steel bars are used for constructing bridges that span over rivers, canals, roads, railways, etc. Deformed steel bars are used for reinforcing the piers, abutments, girders, decks, etc. of the bridges.
- Dams: Deformed steel bars are used for constructing dams that store water for irrigation, power generation, flood control, etc. Deformed steel bars are used for reinforcing the concrete core, face, spillway, outlet works, etc. of the dams.
- Roads: Deformed steel bars are used for constructing roads that connect different cities, towns, villages, etc. Deformed steel bars are used for reinforcing the pavement layers, curbs, sidewalks, drainage structures, etc. of the roads.
- Railways: Deformed steel bars are used for constructing railways that transport passengers and goods across the country. Deformed steel bars are used for reinforcing the track bed, sleepers, rails, switches, crossings, tunnels, bridges, etc. of the railways.
Some examples of prominent projects or structures that use deformed steel bars in Pakistan are:
- Karachi-Hyderabad Motorway (M9): This is a 136 km long motorway that connects Karachi and Hyderabad in Sindh province. It was completed in 2017 and uses about 40,000 tonnes of deformed steel bars.
- Lahore Orange Line Metro Train: This is a 27 km long metro train system that connects different areas of Lahore in Punjab province. It was completed in 2020 and uses about 30,000 tonnes of deformed steel bars.
- Tarbela Dam Extension Project: This is a project that aims to increase the power generation capacity of Tarbela Dam in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. It was completed in 2018 and uses about 20,000 tonnes of deformed steel bars.
Deformed steel bars enhance the performance and durability of concrete structures by:
- Increasing the tensile strength of concrete, which is weak in tension
- Increasing the bond strength between concrete and steel, which prevents slippage or separation
- Increasing the ductility of concrete, which allows it to deform without cracking or breaking
- Increasing the corrosion resistance of concrete, which protects it from environmental damage
FAQs
In this section, we will answer some frequently asked questions about deformed steel price in Pakistan based on [people also ask section from Google].
What is the difference between grade 40 and grade 60 deformed steel bars?
The difference between grade 40 and grade 60 deformed steel bars is their yield strength. Yield strength is the amount of stress that a deformed steel bar can withstand before it starts to deform permanently. Grade 40 deformed steel bars have a yield strength of 40 ksi (kilopounds per square inch), while grade 60 deformed steel bars have a yield strength of 60 ksi. This means that grade 60 deformed steel bars can withstand more load than grade 40 deformed steel bars.
How much does a ton of deformed steel cost in Pakistan?
The cost of deformed steel varies depending on the size, grade, and brand of the bars. According to one source, the average price of deformed steel bars in Pakistan as of August 2023 was Rs. 271 per kg for Amreli 60-grade steel bar³. Another source reported that the price of deformed steel bars rose to Rs. 197,500 per tonne in December 2021 due to high international scrap prices and increased demand.
Why is deformed steel price increasing in Pakistan?
The price of deformed steel is increasing in Pakistan because of several factors, such as the devaluation of Pakistani rupee against US dollar, the rise in energy and petroleum costs, the hike in power tariff, the increase in general sales tax, and the shortage of raw materials.
How to reduce the cost of deformed steel for construction?
To reduce the cost of deformed steel for construction, some possible ways are:
- Using BIM (building information modeling) to optimize the design and fabrication of steel members and assemblies⁸.
- Choosing structural steel with a higher strength-to-weight ratio to reduce the foundation and material costs⁸.
- Getting a steel fabricator involved early in the design phase to provide tips and advice on how to use steel more efficiently⁸.
- Using cold-formed steel framing, which can lower the total construction costs by reducing labor hours, material waste, and transportation costs⁹.
- Comparing different types and grades of steel bars and choosing the most suitable one for the project requirements