This week in Romania, the flat steel spot market has moved upward, largely following the sharp price increase implemented by ArcelorMittal, which has influenced the overall market direction and pushed reference levels higher. The upward movement has also been supported by rising import offers, reinforcing sellers’ attempts to adjust spot quotations upward. Despite this firmer pricing environment, underlying demand remains limited and market activity has slowed further, partly due to seasonal weather conditions that continue to affect construction and industrial activity during this period. Market participants note that weak demand is still dictating trading behavior, and sellers continue to show flexibility in negotiations. Consequently, noticeably lower levels are still being accepted in deals, especially for larger tonnages and serious buyers, as suppliers aim to secure sales in the current slow market environment.
Reflecting the recent upward adjustments, hot rolled sheet (HRS) offers in the spot segment have increased to €750-780/mt ex-warehouse, compared to €725-740/mt previously. Cold rolled sheet (CRS) prices have followed the same trend, rising to €850-890/mt ex-warehouse from €835-845/mt earlier. However, discounts remain available in the market for serious buyers and larger volumes, with HRS heard at €720-725/mt ex-warehouse and CRS at €825-830/mt ex-warehouse in some transactions.
In the import market, activity has remained limited, as Romanian buyers are sufficiently stocked and local demand continues to be slow. Nevertheless, following the increases announced by EU mills, some suppliers have also adjusted their offers upward. As a result, a Ukrainian supplier has increased its HRS and CRS offers to €690-700/mt CPT and €780-790/mt CPT, respectively, up from €680-690/mt CPT and €770-780/mt CPT previously. Similarly, a Serbian supplier has raised its HRS offers to €700-710/mt CPT. Turkish mills have also slightly increased their HRC quotations for April shipment, by around €5/mt to €490-515/mt CFR, based on estimated freight costs of €15-20/mt. These price levels are duty-free depending on the origin, although Turkish material continues to be subject to EU antidumping duties.
