Domestic prices for hot-rolled steel in Europe changed in different directions on Thursday, September 25. While prices fluctuated downward in Northern Europe, prices rose slightly in the south due to limited supply.
In Northern Europe, market participants estimated an acceptable price for HRC at about 570-580 euros (666-677 dollars) per ton from the factory, but no sales were heard during the day.
According to Fastmarkets calculations, the daily price index for hot-rolled steel for domestic consumption in Northern Europe was 575.00 euros per ton on Thursday, stable from day to day.
The price index in Northern Europe decreased by 5.50 euros per tonne week-on-week and decreased by 1.25 per tonne on a monthly basis.
The Italian market was also generally calm. One of the key regional suppliers was firm in its position, as local supplies were limited, while buyers who had previously purchased foreign materials suspended this business.
"Currently, imports from third countries are excluded, regardless of the offer price, since long order completion times pose a high risk that these goods will be cleared only after January 1, 2026," a source at the factory told Fastmarkets. This will be the date when the EU Carbon Dioxide Emissions Control Mechanism (CBAM) will come into force.
A source in the retail chain confirmed that at the moment there is no interest in ordering imported materials.
In such circumstances, several sources reported that local materials would be available at prices below 570 euros per ton from the factory, but for large-tonnage shipments, it was claimed that a price of 550 euros per ton from the factory was possible.
However, it was not heard that any deals were conducted at such higher prices.
"At the moment, the market is booming. in standby mode, because the real demand has not changed much, while stocks are at a medium-high level," said a source in the sellers.
Earlier this week, market participants estimated the real price in the range of 530-550 euros per ton from the factory.
Fastmarkets’ daily price index for hot-rolled steel for domestic consumption (exw) in Italy on Thursday was 550.00 euros per ton, up by 6.67 euros per ton from 543.33 euros per ton on Wednesday.
The Italian index declined by 0.63 euros per tonne a week ago, but increased by 9.17 euros per tonne compared to the previous month.
Vlada Novokreschenova
Fastmarkets.com
