HRC prices in Europe are stabilizing; some suppliers are reporting a slight increase
European prices for hot-rolled steel continued to stabilize after several weeks of steady declines, and factory sources hope that regulatory pressure will support a year-end recovery - moreover, some of them have already tried to raise prices, sources told Fastmarkets on Thursday, July 17.
HRC prices in Europe have been declining since the beginning of May due to lack of demand, import pressure, and aggressive sales incentives from some suppliers in an attempt to "match import prices" to fill their order portfolios.
But domestic prices began to stabilize in May. Over the past few days, most industry sources contacted by Fastmarkets have stated that they consider further price reductions highly unlikely.
"Prices are currently stabilizing near lows, but it seems that manufacturers expect an increase in the fourth quarter. The mood is changing," said a buyer from Northern Europe.
A source at the supplier reported an increase in the number of inquiries they have received regarding HRC, order completion dates in the fourth quarter and even in the first quarter of 2026.
"This[potential rebound in HRC prices]is due to the entry into force of CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) and, as a result, an increase in the cost of imported coils. We see that many buyers are looking to protect Europe[HRC]for the 4th quarter of 2025 and the 1st quarter of 2026," the supplier in the field.
This also affected a number of small and medium-sized buyers in the region, who told Fastmarkets that they had stopped ordering abroad amid CBAM and warranty issues.
In Northern Europe, offers of integrated plants have been heard at €560-570 ($652-663) per ton of Ex-work or supplied, depending on the supplier.
One supplier in the Benelux countries on the market is increasing the supply by €10 per ton to €590 per ton, CPT, Fastmarkets heard.
The buyer estimated competitive prices at €540-550 per ton of Ex-work, while most suppliers listed €550 per ton of ex-factory as the lowest possible price.
Mill sources noted that discounts are possible for HRC in the short term – August-September, while for materials delivered later this year the price "will be higher," the second mill, the source said
Italian coils with September deadlines were offered in Germany at €580 per ton delivered.
As a result, Fastmarkets calculated the daily steel HRC index, domestic, pickup of Northern Europe, 550.63 euros per ton on Thursday, slightly up 3.57 euros per ton from 547.06 euros per ton on Wednesday.
The Nordic index was €6.05 per tonne week-on-week, but decreased by €43.50 per tonne compared to the previous month.
In Southern Europe, meanwhile, Fastmarkets daily roll hot-rolled