Romanian flat steel spot prices have remained broadly stable in recent weeks, although trading activity continues to be limited and discounts are increasingly possible for serious buyers amid weak underlying demand. While local spot market conditions have so far remained relatively steady, overall sentiment continues to be weighed down by the prolonged difficulties at Liberty Galati, which has been struggling financially for more than a year. According to market sources, the producer has entered a formal legal process and is now approaching a critical stage, with March reported as the target period for the sale of its assets. As Romania’s sole flat steel producer, the outcome of this process is expected to play an important role in shaping the country’s flat steel supply structure and medium-term market outlook.
Against this backdrop, domestic spot prices for hot rolled sheet (HRS) have remained unchanged this week at €725-740/mt ex-warehouse, in line with the previous week. Similarly, cold rolled sheet (CRS) prices have also stayed stable, at €835-845/mt ex-warehouse. However, in both segments, some traders are reported to be offering €10-15/mt discounts to serious buyers, particularly for larger-volume purchases, in an effort to stimulate business activity.
Meanwhile, in the import segment, Romanian buyers have largely remained on the sidelines, as stock levels are considered sufficient and local demand remains weak, resulting in no fresh deals being concluded despite increased offer-side activity over the past week. According to market sources, the Ukrainian supplier has raised its offers by €5/mt in both segments, with HRS now quoted at €670-680/mt CPT and CRS at €760-770/mt CPT. At the same time, a supplier from Slovakia has increased its HRS offers to €675-685/mt CPT, up from €670-680/mt CPT in the previous week. Moreover, Turkish mills have also raised their quotations, supported by recent sales to EU countries, increasing HRC offers for April shipment by around €20-25/mt to €485-505/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.