Overview of European roll and environmentally friendly steel: roll prices in Northwest Europe are rising
Domestic roll prices in Northwestern Europe rose in the week to November 14, despite a slowdown in trading activity after restocking.
The price increase was facilitated by an expected reduction in the availability of imports due to a new system of stricter quotas and an increase in import prices due to the introduction of the carbon dioxide Emissions Control Mechanism (CBAM) in 2026.
Trading activity has slowed down after an active replenishment of stocks over the past couple of weeks. Although European factories have yet to fill their order portfolios, they have decided to focus on negotiating long-term contracts for next year with the automotive industry and other end users.
"The plants do not have complete order portfolios, but they are focused on negotiating long-term contracts rather than spot trading. The steelmakers are trying to separate the spot business from long-term contracts," said the German distributor.
In Northwest Europe, prices for hot—rolled coils (HRC) have been reported to range from 590 to 650 euros per ton in stock. But there are special offers at both ends of the range, while the average transaction price was 610-630 euros per ton from the factory. And the factories in the region offered the material at a price of 650 euros per ton from the factory.
The prices of rolled products, especially cold rolled (CRC), have increased significantly over the past week. European factories have traditionally avoided selling CRC trademarks due to higher energy costs, and buyers rely heavily on more competitive imported materials. But since the upcoming legislative changes will lead to both a reduction in shipments from abroad and an increase in import duties on CBAM, European buyers will have to receive more CRC from local suppliers.
Some sources even reported CRC prices higher than for hot-dip galvanized roll (HDG).
"There are concerns in the market that next year we may face a shortage of CRC due to the consequences of the introduction of new quotas and the unwillingness of European factories to sell it. EU manufacturers prefer to sell HRC or HDG made from HRC, as CRC costs are higher," said the distributor.
It was reported that CRC prices range from 700 to 730 euros per ton, and HDG prices range from 710 to 730 euros per ton, both from a factory in Northwestern Europe.
Prices in Italy remain stable
Domestic prices in Italy remained unchanged, despite attempts by steel producers to raise them. The proposals were heard at a price of 620-630 euros per ton, which is equivalent to 600-620 euros per ton from a factory in Italy.
But steelmakers provided discounts for the purchase of rolled products in December, and it was reported