HRC prices in Europe started April with a significant decrease due to increasing import activity, forcing European producers to adjust their price offers in order to remain competitive.
In Germany, the HRC market traded at EUR 665 in the first week of April, down EUR 25 from EUR 690 at the start of the week on March 25, down EUR 15, according to SteelRadar data. Sources noted that trade in the region remains limited and no major deals have yet to take place in the market, while CRC prices also started the new week down by EUR 35 to trade at EUR 735. The sources added that producers may extend the Easter holiday for a few more days to allow buyers to clarify import volumes.
In Germany, prices of steel plate 14-40 mm [EN 10025 (S235JR)] were also reported to have witnessed a noticeable decrease, dropping by around 2.26% to start the new week at EUR 665. The situation was no different in Southern Europe, with the HRC and CRC markets stalling and retreating. In Italy, HRC prices in the new week were calculated at EUR 665 with a decline of 3.05%, while the CRC market traded at EUR 735 with a significant decline of EUR 35.
Steel plate 14-40 mm [EN 10025 (S235JR)] prices in Italy also started the new week at EUR 725, down by EUR 20. Meanwhile, in Spain, home to another major producer and supplier, the HRC and CRC market was stagnant and stable. According to SteelRadar data, HRC prices were stable at EUR 730, while the CRC market continued to trade at EUR 813.
SteelRadar market participants agreed that a recovery in market activity is likely to be possible only in the second half of April.
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