Romanian flat steel spot prices have started to edge up, following the recent price increases announced by major EU producers, led by ArcelorMittal, alongside similar moves by several other European mills. However, this upward trend has not been fully reflected in the domestic market, as demand in Romania remains weak. Market sources report that buyers are uncomfortable with higher price levels and continue to push for lower numbers, limiting purchases mainly to immediate needs and keeping local spot activity cautious. By contrast, export-related interest has been relatively firmer, with some purchases already taking place, particularly for Ukrainian origin material, as buyers have moved to secure volumes at current price levels.
Against this background, spot market prices for hot rolled sheet (HRS) have increased to €725-740/mt ex-warehouse, up from €710-735/mt ex-warehouse last week.
Similarly, cold rolled sheet (CRS) prices have moved higher to €835-845/mt ex-warehouse, compared with €825-845/mt ex-warehouse previously.
Meanwhile, Romania’s sole flat steel producer, Liberty Galati, has remained largely absent from the market. Market sources indicate that conditions at the Galati plant have continued to deteriorate, with ongoing worker protests linked to wage payments and working conditions. Sources also note that the related legal process is moving slowly and remains complex, adding to uncertainty for employees and limiting clarity regarding the company’s near-term operations.
In the import market, while suppliers have started to test slightly higher price levels, Romanian buyers in need of material and aware of the broader upward trend have begun negotiating purchases, with some deals reported to have been concluded, particularly with Ukrainian suppliers. Ex-Ukraine offers have increased by around €5/mt for both products, with HRS quoted at €665-675/mt CPT and CRS at €755-765/mt CPT. At the same time, a Slovak supplier has kept its HRS offers unchanged at €670-680/mt CPT over the past week. On the other hand, Turkish mills have maintained stable quotations, with HRC offers for March shipment remaining at €480-495/mt CFR, based on estimated freight costs of €15-20/mt. These levels are duty-free depending on the origin, although Turkish material continues to be subject to EU antidumping duties.
