It is reported that European steel producers have been forced to adjust prices downwards in the hope of receiving new orders despite high production costs. Sources noted that the market was quiet for this period, adding that order books were full until April-May.
Italy
After rising to €760 at the beginning of March, the steel plate continues to trade at €755 as of March 11, down €5. Sources said that the sales are for small tonnages, while high processing costs are also said to be involved.
Cold rolled market producers in Southern Europe are said to be keeping offers at low levels, with CRC prices trading between €800-820 last week, close to the cost limit. Italy's CRC prices, which started March at €820, dropped by €30 in the second week of March to trade at €790, according to data.
Spain
In Spain, CRC prices, which were trading at €835 at the beginning of March, dropped by €22 and as of March 11, the Spanish CRC market was trading at €813 EXW, SteelRadar reported. HRC prices in Spain also witnessed a significant decrease, falling by €30 from €760 at the beginning of March to €730 as of March 11.
The rebar market in Spain, on the other hand, has been stable for a long time, trading at €600 in February, while rebar prices have been trading at €605 in March with a slight increase in the last 2 weeks.
Germany
In Germany, [EN 10130] CRC prices, which were last recorded trading at €820 on March 8, fell by a notable €30 on March 11 to trade at €790. The European CRC market has been experiencing chronic shortages of late, with no demand and no recovery in the short term, sources said.
According to SteelRadar data, [EN 10025] steel plate, [12-32 mm] rebar and [EN 10025] HRC prices across Germany also fell significantly this week;
[EN 10025] steel plate, down €5 to €810,
Rebar [12-32 mm] decrease by 8€ to 645€,
[EN 10025] HRC started trading at €710, down €13.
Poland
According to SteelRadar data, rebar prices were stable at €643 from the beginning of March to the week of March 11, and demand for the construction sector is expected to increase in the second quarter of the year if weather conditions improve. Wire rod prices were trading at €685 in the week to March 11, down €5 from €690 in the first week of March, while SteelRadar sources expect price fluctuations to continue.
Benelux
SteelRadar recorded a continued decrease in prices for HMS 1/2 80:20 across Benelux. After trading at €310 in the week to March 4, scrap prices were down €7 to €303 in the week to March 11.
Netherlands
After having decrease in February, HMS 1/2 80:20 Netherlands prices continued to decrease in the first week of March. However, HMS 1/2 80:20, which started the week of March 11 trading at $347, increased by $5 to $352 as of March 13, according to SteelRadar.
United Kingdom
The UK HRC market decreased in the week ended March 7 amid subdued demand and uncertainties regarding the Trade Remedies Authority's review of the country's steel safeguard measures. UK distributors were cautious in their purchases due to sluggish end-user demand and adequate stock levels, leading to reduced buying interest.
As for wire mesh, it was down $4.5 on March 11 and held steady at $574 for 2 days. SteelRadar currently pegs the UK wire mesh price at $580.50 on March 13, up by a notable $6.5.
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