EU import quotas continue to support HRC prices, while CRC maintains its position. The price difference between hot-rolled rolls (HRC) and cold-rolled rolls (CRC) in the Italian sheet metal market has started to increase again. As of July 22, the price of HRC in Italy was estimated at 705 euros/ton EXW, while the price of CRC was estimated at 820 euros/ton EXW, bringing the price difference between the two products to 115 euros/ton. Market participants said that HRC prices have received support in recent weeks due to the tightening of import quotas by the European Union. Meanwhile, CRC prices remain high, driven not only by the higher added value of the product, but also by processing costs and relatively limited supplies. As a result, the price difference between HRC and CRC has increased again. According to market sources, despite the decline in trade activity in the summer, the new EU import policy continues to support the HRC market. At the same time, the CRC surcharge is expected to remain unchanged unless there is a significant recovery in demand for secondary products. Consequently, both demand conditions and import availability are expected to remain key factors influencing the price difference for HRC and CRC in the coming months.
Author: SteelRadar Editorial Team
Steelradar.com