Romanian flats steel spot prices have moved up compared to last week, supported by rising cost pressure and ongoing attempts by European mills to push prices higher. Market activity remains relatively stable, though still constrained by tight liquidity, keeping buyers focused on favorable payment terms. As a result, discounts continue to play a key role in transactions, particularly for cash deals and larger tonnages, limiting the extent to which higher offers are reflected in concluded deals.
Accordingly, HRS offers in the Romanian spot market have increased to €800-820/mt ex-warehouse, up from €780-800/mt ex-warehouse last week, while CRS has risen to €900-930/mt ex-warehouse from €880-900/mt ex-warehouse. However, achievable prices remain lower after discounts, with HRS at €745-765/mt ex-warehouse versus €720-740/mt previously, and CRS at €840-865/mt ex-warehouse compared to €820-840/mt ex-warehouse last week, particularly for larger volumes and cash-based transactions.
Meanwhile, developments around Liberty Galati remain in focus, as efforts to return to operations continue. This week, the company announced a significant reduction in the starting price for its assets, cutting it by nearly half, while confirming that a new auction will be held in June following the unsuccessful initial tender. However, the mill has been inactive for an extended period, its presence in the market has significantly diminished, and its financial situation still shows no clear signs of improvement, keeping overall uncertainty regarding its future.
In the import segment, buying interest remains cautious and limited, with no firm bookings confirmed so far. Romanian buyers continue to focus on small to medium-sized tonnages, with some HRS purchases from Ukraine reported in recent weeks, reflecting a preference for nearby and flexible supply. Ukrainian offers are currently heard at €760-770/mt CPT for HRS and €850-860/mt CPT for CRS, while Serbian-origin HRS remains stable at around €800/mt CPT. Meanwhile, Turkish mills have increased their HRC offers for May shipment to €555-570/mt CFR, up from €545-565/mt CFR, though their competitiveness continues to be constrained by EU antidumping measures and additional CBAM-related costs.
