EU steel imports decreased in the first half of the year

EU imports of finished and semi-finished steel decreased significantly in the first six months of the year, excluding hot rolled coils and semi-finished products.

Total imports decreased by 18.34% y-o-y to 18.8 million tonnes. Italy was the largest importer with around 4 million tonnes, followed by Belgium and Spain with 2.4 million and 2 million tonnes, respectively.

Purchases decreased in most long and flat products. Tubular products saw a small decrease of 1.9% y-o-y, while purchases of semi-finished products recovered by over 36% y-o-y to more than 60,000 tonnes.

In the six-month period, the EU imported over 4.2mt of HRC, up 1.3% y/y.

HRC import activity has accelerated since May and remained strong in July.