Prices for long-range stainless steel products from European manufacturers may rise in 2026, taking into account import restrictions and additional fees caused by the carbon boundary regulation mechanism (CBAM), according to German distributor Damstahl.
The new trade regime, which is expected to enter into force on July 1, provides for an increase in duties on imports of Asian origin above the quota from 25% to 50%. "This announcement has already forced European importers to pay more attention to domestic manufacturers, who by the end of 2025 reported an increase in the volume of orders and an increase in deadlines," Damstahl writes in its latest market report.
Under the pressure of imported raw materials of Asian origin, prices for European special quality bars (SBQ) have remained low for a long time, practically unchanged during 2025, the Damstahl authors write. They expect European factories to raise prices in the second quarter at the latest, and note that some increases have already occurred. The company expects a 15-20% price increase for imported materials.
An additional factor that may lead to a shortage of some types of bars this year is that European factories need to increase production to meet the reoriented demand. This will require a longer period, which Damstal predicts will take 6-8 months after several years of declining usage.
"It is assumed that European plants will increase production in this range, as they have significantly reduced their capacity over the past two years," the Kallanish authors explain.
Author: Christian Kel
Kallanish.com
