Steel prices in France remain virtually unchanged, even despite the significant decrease in scrap prices seen in May. Uncertainty remains throughout the value chain, and margin pressures are leading to financial difficulties, Kallanish notes.
Market participants expect a slight decrease in prices before the summer season. A large buyer says he does not expect significant restocking before the summer holidays due to low demand. Downstream, there are active sales at low prices, which creates a competitive environment for both the long and flat rolled products markets.
A buyer from the southern region points to a sluggish market characterized by competitive prices. This is due to a reduction in supply from Italian and Spanish manufacturers, which have a limited presence in the northern French market.
This month, prices for goods for the domestic market and for bars remain largely unchanged. The price for bars of the first category is 780 euros per ton (877 US dollars), while domestic prices for bars in France are 245-250 euros per ton, and current prices, including additional sizes, are 665-670 euros per ton. It is reported that beam manufacturers in both northern and southern Europe have enough orders.
The domestic rebar market also remains at the same level, according to sources, the average cost of supply fluctuates at 640 euros per ton.
Natalia Capra France
kallanish.com
