Some roll manufacturers attending Blechexpo in Stuttgart this week have informed Kallanish that they are refraining from publishing price proposals for the first quarter of next year. Many of them are taking a wait-and-see approach, monitoring market developments, in particular the timing of CBAM implementation and new EU protective measures, before setting future roll prices.
Suppliers in Europe are also considering shutting down ArcelorMittal's production for one month at its steel plant in Fos-sur-Mer in France, which will affect supply availability in the coming weeks. ArcelorMittal currently offers hot-rolled coils at a price of 630 euros per ton (731 US dollars) for delivery in December and 650 euros per ton for delivery in January, while other European manufacturers offer similar prices.
The Italian steel producer says that buyers across the market, "both large and small, have not yet decided." go back to active shopping. Now everyone is assessing the situation and trying to restructure their future procurement strategies by increasing the share of purchases in Europe." Another market participant notes that prices for rolled materials in Europe and Italy remain stable compared to last week, as demand is gradually increasing throughout the value chain, including for secondary products such as sheet.
At the moment, there is no need for urgent purchases in the market, as large volumes of imports were ordered in the summer and continue to arrive at European ports. Both manufacturers and service centers in Italy are reporting renewed customer inquiries about prices. According to sources, the base price of 570-580 euros per ton supplied for HRC is no longer available. Several buyers confirm that small deals are being concluded in Italy at a price of 600-620 euros per base tonne delivered.
The market is currently in a transitional phase, and customers are focused on assessing future price trends and preparing for new purchases in Europe. The seller confirms that end users began requesting prices for supplies in the first quarter, and service centers are expected to resume purchases over the next few weeks to meet year-end and early 2026 needs.
"Next year, we may see an increase in the share of index-linked contracts, as large buyers reduce their purchases in Asia and expand their product range in Europe," one customer comments. According to market rumors, some major buyers are already bidding to obtain significant amounts of HRC for 2026.
Another market observer notes that European manufacturers may need to increase capacity and restart some
