Prices for hot-rolled coils in Southern Europe have increased by about 100 euros per ton in seven months, as a change in customer supply conditions has set a new price trend, according to the MEP's latest podcast, "The Market in a matter of minutes."
Market analyst Benedikte Mikolajczak relies on research conducted for the European Commission. Steel Review will report on the latest developments in the Italian and Spanish steel markets. She says that despite low demand and a slow start to 2026, uncertainty about imports has allowed steel manufacturers and distributors to raise selling prices.
Mikolajczak expects prices for flat and long products to continue to rise as uncertainty over CBAM taxes is combined with an expected reduction in EU import quotas from July 1. The European Commission plans to reduce quotas by 47% and double tariffs exceeding quotas to 50% this summer, which will lead to a reduction in supplies.
"A little chaos will begin on the first of July," Mikolajczak told the market in a few minutes in a podcast that is now available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
" There are still some materials in the ports. The ships are still queuing for unloading. The ships are still due to arrive. So, the queue for customs clearance[quarter three]promises to be interesting."
Now listen in more detail about the factors affecting steel supply, steel demand, and prospects for steel markets in Southern Europe, including:
- Potential supply imbalance as Southern European steel companies ramp up production
- Distributors' growing concerns about stock sales due to continued price increases
- Importers' attempts to find reliable sources of imports after the introduction of CBAM
- How does the region's construction sector provide some support to demand after its automotive sector bottomed out
Market comments, steel prices, price indices and 12-month price forecasts for the Italian and Spanish markets were presented in the Review of European Metallurgy prepared by MEPs. The monthly edition also contains information about Belgium, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. Contact the members of the European Parliament for more information about the subscription.
The podcast "The market in a matter of minutes" is part of the podcast series of MEPs "Talking about steel". This month's issue of "Talking about Steel" provides an overview of the global stainless steel market with the participation of Kay Ayub, Head of the European Parliament's Price Analysis and Forecasts Department, Michelle Kirton, steel market analyst, and Tom Sharp, editor-in-chief
