Plate sellers are expecting price increases in the first quarter of 2026 to be driven by a sharp decline in imports into Europe and ongoing infrastructure projects, sources at last week’s Blechexpo trade fair in Stuttgart told Kallanish.
For S275 material, sources expect prices to reach around €700/tonne ($819/t) ex-works for southern Europe and €30-40/t more for northern Europe, where prices remain slightly higher.
Demand is described as improving, with producers’ lead times currently extending into December. European plate mills are seeking to restore profitability, as margins have been under sustained pressure in recent months.
One seller at the trade show noted that achieving Ebitda margins of around 7-8% would be “at least acceptable”, adding that “we’re not asking for the moon”.
Demand for plate in northwestern Europe did not see a substantial revival after the summer break but it is said to be improving in October. Prices in northern European countries are hovering between €650-670/t ex-works, while in Italy, producers are asking for €650/t for S275 material, with current transactions between €630-630/t ex-works.
Another producer said plate sales are now strong after a period of uncertainty. “We will close the year well and rebalance our finances in the fourth quarter,” he commented.
Market sources downstream, however, remain cautious, emphasising that any price increases should be moderate and implemented gradually to allow customers time to adapt.
Natalia Capra France
