This week, since trade has been slow and stocks are at relatively high levels in the domestic spot market, Romanian traders have chosen to reduce prices week on week to attract demand. Meanwhile, according to market players, Romania's sole flat steel producer, which is still not producing, plans to resume production and return to the market in the coming weeks. According to sources, its hot rolled coil (HRC) prices are expected to vary at around €585-590/mt ex-works.
“Demand is slow, and there are no signals that it will rebound, so we are monitoring to see what happens in the coming days. However, the main reason for low demand are cash flow problems and the fact that many consumers believe that prices will continue to fall, so they choose to purchase in small quantities,” a trader said SteelOrbis
As a result, while Romania's sole producer remains inactive and is still not offering, spot market traders have quoted hot rolled sheet and cold rolled sheet prices at €715-735/mt ex-warehouse and €820-835/mt ex-warehouse, down from €730-735/mt ex-warehouse and €825-840/mt ex-warehouse last week, respectively.
Furthermore, in the import segment, HRC offers from Turkey have remained stable compared to last week, with FOB prices at approximately $570-590/mt and freight costs of around €25/mt, resulting in price levels to Romania at around €555-570/mt CFR. Meanwhile, Ukraine's offers for hot rolled sheets and cold rolled sheets have decreased by €10/mt week on week to €650-660/mt DAP and €740-750/mt DAP, respectively.