Long products prices in France decreased by an average of about 10 euros per ton ($11.63 per ton) compared to the beginning of October. However, according to Callanish, prices for rolled products, including pipes and sheets, are rising by 20-30 euros per ton due to higher cost of purchasing rolls related to CBAM and the new proposal for protective measures.
Market sentiment remains clouded by uncertainty. Customers report that sales volumes remain at the same level as last year, but low margins and declining consumption are of growing concern. One of the buyers of both apartments and long-term homes expects the market to consolidate in the future: "There are too many of us, and there won't be enough consumption for everyone," the source notes, predicting a reduction in the number of distributors and service centers.
The price increases for coil derivatives are largely considered artificial, unsupported by real demand, while the cost of CBAM and new protective measures is still difficult to quantify.
In the south of France, the presence of Spanish and Italian producers continues to keep prices for long products slightly below the northern levels. Since the beginning of October, the cost of rebar has decreased by about 10 euros per ton, averaging 590-610 euros per ton, while sales are limited to small volumes.
The prices of the varieties also fell by about 10 euros per ton, reaching 740-750 euros per ton with delivery, while the prices of the bars fell by 10 euros per ton under pressure from competitors in Spain and now stand at about 210 euros per ton with delivery.
Long products prices are not expected to rise in the coming weeks, as refining margins remain too low to support growth. Given the sluggishness of the market and the strong competition of European producers, prices should remain at the current level until the end of the year.
Natalia Capra France
Kallanish.com
