Romanian flats prices have remained stable in the spot market over the past week, with limited but ongoing demand, while discounts remain widely available to support sales. Meanwhile, sole domestic producer Liberty Galati, which has been absent from the market for nearly seven months, is expected to return, supported by recent state intervention and ongoing preparations for a possible restart in April, particularly after the Easter holiday period. The development is being closely monitored by market participants, though concerns over the company’s reliability persist, while its potential comeback is expected to have a direct impact on the price direction. At the same time, despite rising import offer levels, Romanian buyers have remained largely reluctant to book new cargoes, as current demand is still being adequately covered, with most preferring to negotiate lower prices with nearby suppliers and secure only minimal volumes.
As a result, hot rolled sheet (HRS) offers in the Romanian spot market are currently at €780-800/mt ex-warehouse, while cold rolled sheet (CRS) prices are indicated at €880-900/mt ex-warehouse, largely unchanged week on week. However, following discounts, workable prices are reported at €720-740/mt for HRS and €820-840/mt for CRS.
On the other hand, on the sole domestic producer’s side, as mentioned above, Liberty Galati has begun preparations for a potential return after nearly seven months of inactivity. The company has been declared a strategic operator, allowing unpaid wages to be covered through state-backed support, following a failed sale process where the asset was considered overpriced and failed to attract buyers. However, despite government backing, outstanding debts toward both the state and private counterparties remain unresolved, leaving uncertainty over how the financial situation will be handled. Market sources expect a gradual restart after the Easter period, though sentiment remains cautious, as it is still unclear whether the company will be able to secure sufficient orders and rebuild market confidence.
Meanwhile, the import segment has remained largely quiet, as Romanian buyers continue to show limited interest, given that existing stocks are sufficient to cover current demand and nearby suppliers are offering more workable prices for urgent needs. However, according to sources, Ukrainian prices have continued to increase, with limited buying interest due to the upward trend, with HRS and CRS offers at €760-770/mt CPT and €850-860/mt CPT, up from €750-760/mt CPT and €840-850/mt CPT previously, respectively. Similarly, Serbian origin HRS offers have risen to around €800/mt CPT, up from €730-740/mt CPT, while Slovakian material is heard at around €820/mt CPT, increasing by €50/mt week on week. Turkish mills, on the other hand, have kept their HRC offers for May shipment stable at €550-565/mt CFR week on week, calculated on the basis of €20-25/mt freight. However, Turkish material remains subject to EU antidumping duties, while additional CBAM-related costs also need to be taken into account, further limiting its competitiveness in the Romanian market.
