Prices for hot-rolled coils (HRC) in Europe have increased this week as leading European manufacturer ArcelorMittal introduced better deals for shipments in late December and January. In particular, ArcelorMittal has increased its offers by at least 30 euros per tonne, now they amount to 630 euros per tonne in December and 650 euros per tonne in January, both from the factory and with delivery. However, market participants noted that these levels reflect the prices that the manufacturer announced last month, but was unable to implement at that time.
Other European factories have also offered higher prices, but buyer resistance remains robust amid limited activity in the spot markets. "It will be difficult to achieve a significant price increase in December," said one trader, noting that buyers will be provided with both domestic and imported materials in the fourth quarter.
In particular, local plants in Northern Europe are reportedly targeting a price of 610-630 euros per tonne excluding production. As for new orders for December shipments, they are increasing by 10-20 euros per tonne weekly, while some are even targeting 640 euros per tonne for January delivery. Nevertheless, in the north of Europe, prices available for trade are estimated at 580-590 euros per ton from the factory, which is 10 euros higher than last week.
Meanwhile, in Italy, the estimated HRC offers from factories for December remained at the level of 590-610 euros per ton from the plant. shipments compared to 570-580 euros per ton shipped in November and December last week, while the market price level was set at 560-580 euros per ton shipped from the factory, which is 20-30 euros higher than last week.
According to sources, although the short-term sentiment remains despite this, some sources expect prices to rise slightly in early 2026 due to lower import availability. Nevertheless, the level of 650 euros per ton from the plant is considered "too ambitious" in the current conditions.
"At the moment, most plants are acting cautiously, trying to maintain higher supplies, but realizing that a sufficient number of December tons remain unsold, and the supply is far from limited." A source familiar with the market told SteelOrbis, adding, "They[mills]will continue to accept orders for this year at discounted prices, hoping for a price increase early next year."
Meanwhile, the HRC import market in Europe remains extremely weak as buyers continue to refrain from placing new import orders amid ongoing uncertainty regarding compliance with CBAM requirements and EU protective regulations. As the delivery dates are currently being stretched to December,
