Romania’s flat steel spot market has maintained price stability over the past week, despite continued weak but steady demand. Market participants note that, while trading volumes remain moderate, persistent liquidity challenges are limiting buyer activity. In an effort to support sales, some traders are selectively offering discounts to serious buyers placing orders for larger volumes.
Meanwhile, sole domestic producer Liberty Galati remains in a fragile position. This week, the company announced that its workforce suspension measures will continue into the coming month, as no resolution has been reached regarding its operations. In response to the ongoing challenges, an interministerial committee held its first working meeting on September 25, reviewing legal, economic, and social strategies to safeguard state interests, maintain production, and attract new investors.
In terms of pricing, hot rolled sheet (HRS) continues to be offered at €710-735/mt ex-warehouse, while cold rolled sheet (CRS) remains at €830-845/mt ex-warehouse, both unchanged from the previous week.
In the import segment, trading activity has remained limited. Buyers are exercising caution amid ongoing uncertainty related to EU import quotas and the future implementation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Meanwhile, Ukrainian suppliers have maintained offers at €590-600/mt CPT for HRS and €680-690/mt CPT for CRS, for October shipments. In contrast, HRC offers from Turkish suppliers have slightly decreased week on week, with CFR offers for November shipments to Romania now estimated at €465-485/mt, including freight costs of around €15-20/mt, down from €470-490/mt last week. However, importers should note that Turkish material is subject to antidumping duties in the EU, which are not included in these prices.