Following the price softening seen last week, Romania's flat steel spot market has entered this week on a more stable footing, although discounts remain widely available as traders continue to compete for limited business. The summer slowdown is keeping purchasing activity at a minimum, with buyers covering only immediate requirements and showing little interest in restocking. Against this weak demand backdrop, sellers are adjusting workable levels according to tonnage and payment terms rather than changing their official quotations. Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounding Liberty Galati persists, as no production has been observed despite earlier indications of a restart, while the producer has made no further announcement regarding when or on what scale operations may resume.
Local hot rolled sheet prices have remained stable at €790-815/mt ex-warehouse, while cold rolled sheet quotations are still at €890-900/mt ex-warehouse. However, these levels remain negotiable, with traders continuing to grant discounts depending on tonnage and payment terms. Despite this flexibility, sales activity has shown no improvement, as buyers remain focused on immediate requirements.
The import segment has been similarly inactive, with no fresh bookings heard this week. Weak local consumption and limited purchasing over recent weeks have left Romanian buyers with sufficient stocks, reducing their need to consider new import volumes. Ukrainian hot rolled sheet offers have remained at €800-820/mt CPT Romania, while cold rolled sheet prices are unchanged at €890-910/mt CPT. Serbian hot rolled sheet has also continued to be heard at around €900/mt CPT Romania, although this level remains unconfirmed. Turkish HRC offers are currently at $570-585/mt FOB, while freight to Romania is estimated at around €25-30/mt, resulting in an indicative delivered level of approximately €520-540/mt CFR Romania. However, the competitive price has not attracted buying interest, as the lack of available quota and continued uncertainty over CBAM-related costs are still preventing Romanian buyers from considering Turkish material. Some interest may re-emerge in September, depending on quota availability and greater clarity regarding the additional import costs.
