Romanian long steel prices have remained stable over the past week, with both rebar and wire rod offers largely unchanged from previous levels. However, market participants report that some suppliers have begun testing slightly higher prices, driven mainly by CBAM-related uncertainty and expectations of increased import costs. Despite these upward attempts, overall buying activity remains weak, as local demand continues to struggle due to liquidity constraints, delayed projects and cautious purchasing behavior. Traders note that, without a meaningful improvement in domestic consumption, any upward price push is unlikely to gain sustained momentum.
“Although there are initial attempts to raise prices, I doubt the market will accept these higher levels. With colder weather and the end of the year approaching, demand is slowing further and buyers are becoming increasingly cautious. It is also concerning that some sellers are using CBAM-related uncertainty to justify price increases, as this measure offers little benefit to end-users and may further discourage potential investment,” a trader said, SteelOrbis
Currently, domestic rebar prices remain unchanged. The sole producer continues to offer at €550-555/mt ex-works, and spot traders keep levels at €550-565/mt ex-warehouse, similar to last week. Attempts by some traders to raise prices to €570-575/mt ex-warehouse have seen no interest, as buyers still find discounted material at €535-545/mt ex-warehouse.
Wire rod prices also remain stable, with traders continuing to quote €560-570/mt ex-warehouse amid weak demand.
Meanwhile, in the import market, upward price movement has begun to appear, particularly from EU suppliers, mainly due to the CBAM situation. However, because local demand remains weak and stocks are considered sufficient, most Romanian buyers are only purchasing medium-sized lots from nearby countries in line with needs. According to market participants, the Bulgarian supplier has raised its rebar offers to €580-600/mt CPT, up from €570-580/mt CPT previously. Among non-EU suppliers, Egyptian mills have kept their prices unchanged, continuing to offer rebar at €485-490/mt CFR and wire rod at €490-495/mt CFR. Likewise, Turkish suppliers have maintained stable pricing over the past week, supported by firmer scrap levels, with offers standing at €495-510/mt CFR, based on an exchange rate of €1 = $1.16 and estimated freight costs of €15-20/mt.