European prices for hot-rolled coils remained unchanged on July 17, as sources cited differences in conditions among sellers amid a general negative trend.
Market conditions remained largely stable as summer demand continued to decline.
"For us, the market is better than expected, but not as good as expected after the election of a new government," said a source at a service center in Germany, pointing to HRC's offers at 560 euros per ton at the Ruhr plant, but otherwise conditions are more calm.
The same source noted cheaper import offers, but pointed to some sources of origin. such as the Indonesian ones were not necessarily suitable for the entire market.
Another source at the service center said that business conditions were deteriorating and cited differences in the attitudes of their customers, but most of them were still negative. "Some of our clients are laughing at the situation because they have good books and their purchase prices are going down."
"But most of them are in a bad position and are fighting for non-existent orders, as their selling prices are falling faster than their purchase prices," the source added.
Looking ahead, the source referred to the regulatory uncertainty facing the industry, stressing that CBAM, protective measures and recent tariffs from the United States have further limited market confidence, and this view is shared by many.
Market participants continued to note a wide range of
Platts estimates that domestic demand for HRC in Northern Europe amounted to 535 euros per tonne at plants in the Ruhr and in Southern Europe - 520 euros per tonne at plants in Italy, which remains unchanged day by day
Platts estimated imports of HRC in Northern Europe at 465 euros per tonne CIF in Antwerp and in Southern Europe at 465 euros per tonne CIF in Southern Europe, which has not changed day by day.
Charles Thompson
Platts.com
