Christopher Rivituso | Posted on September 23, 2022 |

Hot rolled coil steel prices in Western Europe remain largely unchanged since early September. However, as various market participants told MetalMiner, this is despite attempts by at least one steelmaker to increase them

According to our sources, multiple factors continue to suppress demand for flat rolled products. These include a slowdown of public works programs throughout Europe. Another culprit being rapidly-rising energy prices and lower consumer purchases in the face of economic uncertainty. Recently, high stock levels joined that list as well.

One trader reported that the most recent transactions for flat rolled product occurred at €740-750 ($740-750) per metric ton EXW for October rolling / November delivery. Deals for hot rolled coil also occurred at about €750 ($750) earlier in September for the same rolling and delivery times. It’s worth noting this went against the official offer prices of €800 ($800).

Sources added that earlier in September, ArcelorMittal attempted to increase its offer price for flat rolled product to €850 ($850). However, poor demand prompted the Luxembourg-based group to retreat €810 ($810) in the last week.

Imports from Southeast Asia have also impacted the market, as transactions of HRC from Vietnam have occurred at €680-685 ($680-685) per metric ton CIF Bilbao and Antwerp, January delivery.

Applications for HRC include construction and welded pipe production. It is also used as feed stock to produce cold rolled coil, which remains integral to the white good and auto sectors. Typically, CRC carries an average premium of €100 ($100) per metric ton over HRC

MetalMiner’s MMI (Monthly Metal Index) report provides crucial insight into steel prices as well as market trends. Sign up for free here.

One trader told us they believe prices would continue declining, reaching around €620 ($620) towards year’s end. This is despite the fact that prices normally rise at this time as buyers try to hedge against January mill price hikes. “The key word here is ‘normal’,” the trader said, referring to Europe’s unique economic situation.

In response to market conditions, producers throughout Europe have announced plans to curb crude steel production, either on a temporary or indefinite basis. Flats demand in Spain currently sits at just 40% of normal demand levels, which is about 8 million metric tons.

Fortunately, information from Trading Economics showed energy prices in Europe have substantially decreased, with benchmark Dutch TTF gas hitting €189.78 ($187.61) per kilowatt hour late on Sept. 21. That’s a decrease of almost 14% from the €220.54 ($218.03) seen on Sept. 8.

This drop is largely due to action by European governments to curb rising prices and avoid shortages. The European Commission also planes to raise €140 billion ($138 billion) from energy companies’ profits and mandatory cuts on energy use.

Trading Economics added that European gas stocks are also above the five-year average at 86%, though Gazprom has indefinitely cut flows via its Nord Stream pipeline. That line runs under the Baltic Sea from Vyborg in northwestern Russia to Lubmin in eastern Germany.

Are you prepared for your 2023 steel contract negotiations? Be sure to check out our 5 best practices. If you want a serious competitive edge in the steel industry, get a live demo of MetalMiner’s pricing and forecasting platform, MetalMiner Insights.

Filed under: Carbon Steel, Ferrous Metals, Industry News, Manufacturing

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Aluminum aluminum price aluminum price index anti-dumping China china aluminum coking coal price Copper copper price copper price index ferrochrome price ferromoly price Ferrous Metals GOES price Gold gold price Green India Iron Ore iron ore price L1 L9 LME LME aluminum LME copper LME nickel LME steel billet nickel price Non-ferrous Metals Oil palladium price platinum price precious metals prices rare earths scrap aluminum price scrap copper price scrap stainless price scrap steel price silver price Stainless Steel stainless steel price Steel steel futures price steel price steel price index

MetalMiner helps buying organizations better manage margins, smooth commodity volatility, generate cost savings and negotiate prices for metal commodities. The company does this through a unique forecasting lens using artificial intelligence (AI), technical analysis (TA) and deep subject matter expertise.

©2022 MetalMiner  All rights reserved. | Cookie Consent Settings & Privacy Policy | Terms of Service