Steel beam prices in Europe are rising due to CBAM cost support and rising raw material costs for scrap metal
Steel beam prices in Europe rose significantly in the month to Wednesday, January 21, as considerations related to the Carbon Dioxide Emissions Control Mechanism (CBAM) affected import demand and supported domestic markets, while rising prices for scrap metal raw materials and optimistic supply increased upward pressure.
The upward movement followed the fall in prices and sentiment in December.
Fastmarkets' monthly estimate of prices for steel beams supplied to the domestic market in Northern Europe was 740-775 euros ($866-907) per ton on Wednesday, up 90-95 euros from 650-680 euros per ton a month earlier.
Similarly, Fastmarkets' monthly estimate of prices for steel beams shipped to Southern Europe was 740-775 euros per tonne on Wednesday, up by 90-95 euros from 650-680 euros per tonne compared to the previous month.
A key factor contributing to the increase in domestic prices was the introduction of the second phase of the European Union (EU) CBAM, which, from January 1, 2026, requires importers of high-carbon products such as steel to purchase carbon certificates confirming CO2 emissions as a result of their imports.
.At the end of last year, the flat-rolled products markets already experienced significant price increases due to CBAM costs affecting import prices and demand.
The optimistic mood of sellers at the beginning of the year also contributed to an increase in supply, as manufacturers sought to raise prices.
However, although some market participants noted an increase in supply, they were skeptical about the possibility of implementing higher prices amid continued weak demand.
One of the sources in the market reported that in early January, the market was "very quiet" as market participants returned from winter holidays.
Meanwhile, scrap metal prices in the leading Turkish market have been steadily rising since September 2025, which also contributes to higher prices for beams in Europe.
Calculation of the daily price index for HMS 1 and 2 steel scrap from Fastmarkets (80:20 ratio) The price of turkey from Northern Europe on Wednesday was 369.97 dollars per ton, which is 5.26 dollars higher than the previous month compared to 364.71 dollars per ton and 42.97 dollars per ton compared to the minimum at $327 per ton on September 12 last year.
Written by Holly Chant
Fastmarkets.com