Metals & Mining, Ferrous

September 03, 2026

Platts proposes updates to Billet FOB Black Sea, CFR Turkey import methodology & specifications

Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, proposes to update the dimensions of its Billet FOB Black Sea and CFR Turkey import assessment specification, as well as the delivery window, quality and volume specifications of its steel billet Turkey import CFR assessment, effective Nov. 2, to reflect changes in trade flows and spot market liquidity.

Platts proposes updating the dimension to 150x150 millimeter square from 125x125 mm square in response to a regional market transition toward increased use of 150x150 mm billet material, alongside Platts' observation of reduced spot trading activity for 125x125 mm billet material.

To account for increasing flow of Asian material, Platts also proposes changing the current Turkey billet import CFR assessment timeline to delivery in four to 16 weeks, from the current delivery two- to eight-week forward.

In addition, Platts proposes amending the current Turkey billet import CFR assessment quality from 3SP to 4SP/GOST 38094 and the assessment volume to minimum 5,000 metric tons from 5,000-20,000 mt.

Platts is not proposing updates to the volume, quality or loading period of its Billet FOB Black Sea assessment.

The proposed change would affect the following assessment:

Assessment Symbol Current dimension specification Proposed dimension specification Current quantity Proposed quantity Current timeline Proposed timeline Current grade Proposed grade
Billet FOB Black Sea STBLB00 125x125 mm square, L 12 m 150x150 mm square, L 12 m 5,000- 20,000 mt 5,000- 20,000 mt Loading 2-6 weeks Loading 2-6 weeks
Billet CFR Turkey Import SB01040 125x125 mm square, L 12 m 150x150 mm square, L 12 m 5,000- 20,000 mt Minimum 5,000 mt Delivery 2-8 weeks Delivery 4-16 weeks 3SP grade 4SP/GOST380-94

Platts invites feedback, comments and questions on this proposal by September 18 to EMEAMetalsTeam@spglobal.com and pricegroup@spglobal.com.

For written comments, please provide a clear indication if comments are not intended for publication by Platts for public viewing. Platts will consider all comments received and will make comments not marked as confidential available upon request.