The European Union’s tightened safeguard measures, reduced import quotas, and new “melt and cast” (origin of melting and casting) requirements are driving the European steel market into a more controlled environment. The new system, which requires tracking the country where raw steel is first melted and cast, makes origin transparency and supply chain traceability increasingly critical for exporters.
With the new measures set to take effect on July 1, European buyers are adopting a cautious approach, keeping market activity at limited levels. Hot-rolled coil (HRC) prices in Northern Europe are currently around €686/ton ex-works, while prices in Italy have increased to approximately €682.5/ton ex-works.
On the import side, HRC offers from Türkiye and India have been reported at €595–610/ton CFR for delivery to Italy, while some DDP offers are heard in the range of €680–700/ton. These price differences highlight that competitiveness in the EU market is no longer determined solely by cost advantages, but also by origin documentation and trade compliance.
Going forward, price movements in the European steel market will be shaped by new quota applications, origin tracking requirements, and shifts in import flows. This approach, aimed at supporting local production, is making a more transparent and traceable supply chain essential for exporters.
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