European stainless steel prices continue to rise, with further price increases expected for rolls and sheets delivered in June and July compared with May offers, according to market participants Kallanish.
A major stainless steel manufacturer reports that overall demand remains unchanged compared to the second half of 2025, with no significant increase in incoming orders. However, the supply chain has changed: imports have decreased, and order fulfillment times at EU factories have increased until the end of May.
Manufacturers are expected to continue to raise prices for rolls of cold and hot-rolled products with deliveries in June and July. Supply delays are gradually decreasing, although some plants continue to experience disruptions due to technical and other operational problems.
As for supplies in May, the plants offer and negotiate CRC prices at the level of 2500-2570 euros per ton (2877-2960 US dollars per ton), while the price of a hot-rolled roll is about 2300-2350 euros per ton. In recent weeks, imports of HRC and CRC chips have declined sharply due to CBAM, upcoming changes in protective measures, and other protectionist measures. Some plants have already started offering CRC at a price of about 2,600 euros per ton, with delivery to certain markets in June.
A source at the plant expects further increases in raw materials, energy, and logistics costs in the coming weeks. Another source at the plant says there remains uncertainty about how far prices can go, given the rapid increase in scrap costs.
According to the source, the level of about 2,600 euros per ton only compensates for the increase in costs without restoring profitability. For shipments in June and July, CRC prices may rise to about 2,700 euros per ton, a third source suggests.
Another source at the plant points to difficulties in providing raw materials, especially scrap metal, as well as logistical difficulties that have arisen since the beginning of the conflict.
The second half of the year is expected to be seasonally weaker, and with CRC prices at around 2,600 euros per ton, the plants will not make a profit.
At the same time, demand for secondary products remains low, and consumption remains limited. Several customers report switching to cheaper products, stating that they cannot afford higher prices with high volumes.
One customer notes that they are reducing their purchases, while another comments that "distributors are not doing any better and are going through a year of financial difficulties."
Italy lags slightly behind Northern Europe in terms of CRC prices, although the market has also seen a sharp increase in recent weeks. Compared to the supply level in February,
