This week, the continuing upward trend across European HRC markets has supported Romanian traders in maintaining their spot price levels. Following last week’s significant increases driven by ArcelorMittal, sellers have continued to defend current quotations. At the same time, a moderate improvement in demand has been observed, as buyers have shown renewed interest amid expectations that prices may move higher. However, this interest remains cautious. Actual volumes purchased are still limited, as extended payment terms and ongoing liquidity constraints continue to weigh on transactions and remain the main negative factor in the market.
According to reports, hot rolled sheet (HRS) offers in the spot segment have remained stable at €750-780/mt ex-warehouse, in line with the previous week. Cold rolled sheet (CRS) prices have likewise continued unchanged, at €850-890/mt ex-warehouse.
Nevertheless, workable levels are lower, with transactions heard at discounts of around €20-30/mt for serious buyers and larger-volume orders, as liquidity constraints and cautious payment practices continue to influence negotiations.
In the import market, Romanian buyers remain cautious, as sufficient inventories and still fragile demand limit new bookings. While activity remains muted, suppliers’ strategies differ. Ukrainian mills have increased their HRS and CRS offers by €10/mt to €700-710/mt CPT and €790-800/mt CPT, respectively, following the wider European trend. Meanwhile, Serbian suppliers have kept their HRS offers unchanged at €700-710/mt CPT. On the other hand, Turkish mills have slightly adjusted their HRC offers for April delivery to €500-510/mt CFR, compared to €490-515/mt previously, calculated on the basis of €15-20/mt freight. However, Turkish material remains subject to EU antidumping duties, which continue to limit its competitiveness in the Romanian market.
