European hot-rolled coil markets were slowly recovering after a two-week break for the winter holidays, amid a lull in trading and lower demand, but factories insisted on raising prices for supplies in March-April. This opinion was largely supported by expectations related to the introduction of a carbon dioxide emissions control mechanism (CBAM), Fastmarkets sources reported on Thursday, January 8.
On January 1, CBAM became legally and financially binding, which increased the cost of imports by about 35-600 euros ($41-700) per ton, depending on the origin, Fastmarkets reported
The sources said that after customs clearance of new imports in January 2026, customs agents are requesting advance payments to cover CBAM costs.
"The import[have]become unmanageable. There is no shortage of rolls on the market yet, but domestic mills are certainly a more reliable option," said a German buyer.
"The[European]optimistic forecast is entirely due to the impact of regulations on imports. Real demand remains low," the second source said.
In Germany, one supplier reportedly still had offers to supply HRC in February at a price of 630 euros per ton from the factory. Proposals were made for the price of delivery in March at the level of at least 650 euros per ton from the plant and 700 euros per ton from the plant in April.
.Offers from other German suppliers ranged from 650-670 euros per ton for delivery in February-March.
In the Benelux region, integrated mill increased its supply of HRC in March to 650 euros per tonne from the manufacturer, compared with about 630 euros per tonne from the manufacturer in January and February.
Buyers in Germany and the Benelux countries on Thursday estimated possible prices at 630-635 euros per ton from the factory.
However, according to most sources, they expected spot prices to rise "within a short period of time," which was facilitated by CBAM and the introduction of a new trade regime restricting imports.
"The target of 700 euros[per tonne ex-works]is still being set as desired, but 650 euros[per tonne ex-works]can be achieved fairly quickly, all things considered," said a second German buyer.
As a result, the daily price index for Fastmarkets hot-rolled steel coils in the domestic market, exports to Northern Europe on Thursday amounted to 634.25 euros per ton, an increase of 3.25 euros per ton from 631.00 euros per ton on Wednesday, January 7.
The indicator increased by 6.75 euros per ton week-on-week and by 12.00 euros per ton month-on-month.
The corresponding daily price index for Fastmarkets hot-rolled steel coils in the domestic market, with delivery to Italy on Thursday, was 630.00 euros per ton, an increase of 6.00 euros
