Across domestic markets, a more balanced yet cautious sentiment is prevailing throughout Europe. In Spain and Italy, hot-rolled coil (HRC) prices are largely reported at €700–710/t EXW, while cold-rolled coil (CRC) and hot-dip galvanized (HDG) products continue to hold at €800/t and above. A similar trend is observed in Germany, where HRC prices stand at €700–720/t EXW, and CRC and HDG prices are reported at €810–820/t.
In the plate segment, workable transaction prices—depending on quality and tonnage—are said to remain below official mill offers, reflecting a more cautious approach among buyers. In Italy and Germany in particular, plate prices are reported in the range of €760–780/t EXW. Overall, restocking activity remains subdued, with purchases largely carried out on a need-based basis and in limited volumes. As a result, attempts to push prices higher have lost momentum, while panic buying is absent and order flows are described as stable at average levels.
On the import side, a different dynamic is emerging. Although offers from various origins have increased in recent weeks, European buyers continue to adopt a cautious stance. This is mainly due to cost uncertainties related to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), expectations surrounding safeguard measures, and ongoing volatility in freight and insurance costs. HRC offers from Türkiye are heard at €570–590/t CIF Southern Europe, excluding anti-dumping duties, while trader-based offers have reached €680–700/t DDP levels. Although more competitive CFR prices are available for Indian and other Asian-origin materials, this price advantage has yet to translate into stronger demand. Similarly, in the slab market, offers are reported at $570–610/t CFR Italy, though end-users are seen delaying their purchasing decisions.
Overall, the European steel market is striving to maintain a balance between cost-driven price increases and weak demand. While producers remain inclined to push prices upward, subdued consumption and regulatory uncertainties continue to cap the extent of these increases.
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