European prices for hot-rolled coils (HRC) remained virtually unchanged on Tuesday, February 3, lagging behind factory supply amid insufficient demand. Nevertheless, the mood remained optimistic, helped by the carbon dioxide Emissions Regulation Mechanism (CBAM) and tighter import supplies, Fastmarkets reported.
Prices for HRC in Northern Europe continued to lag behind the official offers of manufacturers, although the gap began to narrow from the beginning of January. Domestic prices are steadily rising, but mainly due to import-restrictive regulations — CBAM and new protective measures, rather than rising demand.
"Factories are trying to raise[flat steel]prices due to the lack of imports. But demand is not improving, and stocks are not being replenished," said a source at the steel service center (SSC) in Germany.
Another source at SSC stated that in the fourth quarter of 2025, they purchased more HRC than usual to increase inventory before implementing CBAM, and therefore did not feel an urgent need to replenish stocks.
On Tuesday, buyers estimated achievable prices for HRC in Northern Europe at no higher than 650 euros ($769) per ton from the factory.
Supply offers in April from integrated plants in Germany, Sweden and the Benelux countries were received at a price of 670-685 euros per ton from the plant. March - The HRC shipments were rumored to be largely sold out, with some suppliers having only limited supplies left.
Buyer sources suggested that the opportunities for price increases are still limited, but doubt that in the near future it will be possible to reach a higher level of 700 euros per tonne delivered (685-690 euros per tonne from the plant), given the lack of demand support.
"End consumers refuse to put up with price increases. In 2-3 weeks, manufacturers will need to start the April sales, and we will see how prices will be set," said a buyer from the Benelux region.
As a result, the daily price index for Fastmarkets hot-rolled steel for domestic sale, exw in Northern Europe on Tuesday was 651.07 euros per ton, which is 0.24 euros higher than 650.83 euros per ton on Monday, February 2.
The indicator increased by 1.57 euros per ton week-on-week and by 23.57 euros per ton month-on-month
.The corresponding daily price index for Fastmarkets hot-rolled steel in the domestic market, exw in Italy, was calculated on Tuesday at 647.00 euros per ton, which is 4.67 euros lower compared with 651.67 euros per ton a day earlier.
But the indicator increased by 9.04 euros per ton week-on-week and by 23.88 euros per ton month-on-month.
.Italian factories expected to receive 690-700 euros per tonne delivered (675-685 euros per tonne for delivery in April), however
