Trading on the domestic HRC market in Europe is sluggish
Trading in the domestic hot-rolled steel market in Europe was restrained amid high inventories and low real consumption, Fastmarkets sources said on Friday, February 13.
"The demand is low. Overall consumption leaves much to be desired, while customers are running out of stock[created earlier with domestic and import material]," one trader from Northern Europe told Fastmarkets.
Nevertheless, domestic prices remained stable, "as customers finally realized the effect of the combination of the Carbon dioxide Emissions Control Mechanism (CBAM) and the upcoming change in precautionary measures in the second half of 2026," the trader said.
HRC's offers in the German and Benelux markets were estimated at 680-685 euros (807.32-813.25 dollars) per ton from the factory, while affordable prices were estimated at 650-660 euros per ton from the factory.
No major sales were heard during the day.
The daily HRC steel price index in Fastmarkets for domestic consumption, exports to Northern Europe on Friday amounted to 655.83 euros per ton, an increase of 0.83 euros per ton from 655.00 euros per ton on Thursday, February 12.
The indicator decreased by 0.42 euros per ton week-on-week and by 17.50 euros per ton month-on-month.
The situation in the Italian market was somewhat more lively, with large shipments ranging from 630-640 euros per ton in stock.
It is estimated that reasonable prices for standard shipments of 1000-3000 tons are 650 euros per ton from the factory, compared with offers from integrated suppliers and transporters at a price of 660-685 euros per ton from the factory.
The daily HRC index for Fastmarkets steel, for domestic production, with delivery to Italy, calculated on Thursday, was 647.50 euros per ton, which is 3.50 euros lower than 651.00 euros per ton on Thursday.
The indicator decreased by 0.42 euros per ton week-on-week and increased by 18.23 euros per ton month-on-month.
Author: Vlada Novokreschenova
Fastmarkets.com