WHAT IS IT?
Rebar (short for reinforcing bar) is a steel bar with a ribbed or deformed surface, embedded in concrete to strengthen it. Concrete is strong in compression but weak in tension — rebar provides tensile strength, creating reinforced concrete (RC) that can bear loads in all directions.
WHY THE DEFORMATIONS MATTER
The ribs (deformations) on the bar surface are critical — they create mechanical bond with the concrete, preventing the bar from sliding. Smooth bars are far less effective and rarely used in modern construction.
GRADES
HRB400 (China standard): Yield strength 400 MPa. Most produced grade in China.
HRB500 (China): Yield strength 500 MPa. Stronger, more expensive.
B500B (European BS/EN standard): Yield strength 500 MPa. Required for European and many export markets.
Fe415 / Fe500 (Indian standard): Yield strength 415 or 500 MPa.
TMT (Thermo-Mechanically Treated) Bar: Indian/Asian term for rebar with enhanced ductility from controlled cooling.
KEY USES
Building foundations, columns, beams, slabs
Bridges and roads
Dams and retaining walls
Infrastructure: ports, airports, industrial facilities
High-rise construction
TRADE CORRIDORS
Major exporters: China, Turkey, Ukraine, Russia, South Korea, Japan
Major buyers: Southeast Asia, Middle East, East Africa, USA
Tetra relevance: East Africa infrastructure boom — Tanzania and Kenya major importers. China and Turkey are primary suppliers to East Africa.
PRICING BASIS
No single global benchmark. Regional assessments: FOB Turkey, FOB China, CFR East Africa. LME billet futures provide directional signal.
Key drivers: Scrap price (EAF mills), iron ore/coking coal (BF mills), construction demand.
SPECIFICATIONS (B500B Export Grade)
Yield strength: min 500 MPa
Tensile strength: min 540 MPa (Rm/Re ≥ 1.08)
Elongation at failure: min 14%
Sizes: 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 16mm, 20mm, 25mm, 32mm diameter
Length: 12m standard
Mill test certificate (MTC) required