The European steel market has remained stagnant following the summer period. Weak demand continues to challenge mills’ efforts to maintain higher price levels, while CBAM regulations and new safeguard measures are adding complexity to buyers’ decision-making processes. On the import side, Turkish-origin products stand out with shorter lead times and emission certificates; however, buyer concerns limit the attractiveness of imports, prompting many customers to favor domestic producers instead. Turkish HRC offers into Europe at €540–550/t CFR are also being evaluated within this context.
In Northwest Europe, some buyers have received offers from a major producer for November delivery HRC at €630/t, reflecting an increase of €20/t. In contrast, Italian mills’ October offers stand at €560–580/t EXW for HRC, €650–660/t EXW for CRC, and €660–680/t EXW for HDG. The weak demand environment is making it difficult for mills to sustain target price levels, while the limited attractiveness of imports allows local producers to retain their market position. Nevertheless, CBAM continues to weigh on short-term recovery prospects, making flexible sales strategies and cost control increasingly vital for producers.
In the German rebar market, the downward trend that began in mid-May extended through July. Demand has been further suppressed by the construction sector slowdown and the holiday period. Current rebar prices in Germany are assessed at €610/t EXW and €625/t CPT. No significant price changes are expected until September, but demand is anticipated to recover in the final quarter of the year, potentially triggering renewed price activity.
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