European HRC prices remain stable as higher offers do not lead to market growth
European prices for hot-rolled coils (HRC) remained virtually unchanged on Monday, April 13, despite higher offers announced by several suppliers; buyers are doubtful about further price increases amid stable consumption, Fastmarkets reported.
Combined producers in Germany and the Benelux countries sold a significant portion of their rolled products in the second quarter, with only small batches of HRC still available for June shipments from some plants.
In July, there were offers in the range of 750-760 euros (879-890 dollars) per ton from the plant, but buyers have so far found these levels unworkable.
"There is still no demand from either[the]shareholders or the manufacturers; only purchases related to the project are being made," a source on the buyer's side said.
On Monday, it was reported that buyers were estimating possible prices for HRC for June delivery at least 700-730 euros per ton from the factory.
As a result, on April 13, the daily price index for Fastmarkets hot-rolled steel for domestic sale, exw in Northern Europe amounted to 720.00 euros per ton, unchanged from Friday, April 10.
In March 2026, the average was 708.05 euros per ton, which is higher than the monthly average of 664.51 euros in February.
It was also reported that the leading European steel producer sold the remaining HRC delivered in the second quarter in Central Europe, in particular in Poland, at discounted prices - about 695 euros per ton of CPT (680 euros per ton from the plant), while in other regions such low prices were not reported. It was reported
."These sales[at lower prices]are sporadic and do not affect the overall price dynamics," said a buyer from Poland.
Sources expected more clarity on the future direction of prices during the Wire & Tube trade fair in Dusseldorf, Germany, which took place from April 13 to 17.
The Fastmarkets hot-rolled steel roll price index for domestic consumption, exw in Italy, was calculated at 697.64 euros per ton on April 13, which is 2.36 euros lower than 700.00 euros per ton on April 10.
In March 2026, the average was 690.79 euros per ton, which is higher than the monthly average of 655.14 euros in February.
Local sources associated with buyers and sellers estimated possible prices at 690-700 euros per ton from the factory on Monday.
Earlier in April, it was reported about offers from local suppliers for the supply of HRC in June at the level of about 700-705 euros per ton from the plant.
"Currently, trading is more dependent on speculation and expectations of higher prices, rather than demand," said a customer source.
A local rental center that