Prices for rolled steel products in Europe decreased due to sluggish trade and weak demand
Heavy steel plate prices in Europe expanded downwards in the week on Thursday, July 3, amid persistently sluggish trade and weak demand.
Italy
Italian trademark plate prices have been under pressure for the past seven days, with many market participants estimating prices at stable levels or slightly lower, with mills looking to attract orders amid weak demand environment.
"Demand has not improved," one trader told the source.
Fastmarkets’ weekly price estimates for domestic steel plate, 8-40 mm, on EXW terms in southern Europe, Euro 590-620 ($693-728) per tonne on Thursday, expanding down by €10 per tonne to €600-620 per tonne a week earlier.
Shareholders and end users are only buying on a hand-to-mouth basis, the second source in the market.
And there was still no interest in imported materials, since there are enough stocks for low prices and short delivery times.
Northern Europe
There is a thick-leaved market in Northern Europe, prices are also expanded downward against the background of yesterday's trading in commodity classes.
"Customers and end users are still only purchasing what they absolutely need urgently," the source said.
Weekly price analysis
Fastmarkets for domestic steel plate, 8-40 mm, pickup Northern Europe, Euro 640-675 per ton on Thursday, expanding down by €10 per ton to €650-675 per ton a week earlier.
Market participants have noted that there is only a consistent requirement for specialist plate brands, including those used as the basis for offshore wind turbines or monopiles.
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Fastmarkets.com