European domestic hot-rolled coil prices were broadly stable April 15, as market participants flagged currency fluctuations and geopolitical headwinds as factors reshaping trade flows and buyer behavior.
Domestic tradable values were reported at around Eur650/mt ex-works Ruhr and Eur620–630/mt ex-works Italy. While mill offer levels remain steady, traders noted ongoing caution in spot bookings.
“Compared to last week, there’s slightly more interest, but it’s not a demand boom — just the seasonal spring uptick,” a distributor said. “Real consumption hasn’t changed much.”
Import activity remained limited, as exchange rate movements prompted adjustments. Offers from India were heard at Eur570/mt CIF Antwerp, while Indonesian HRC was cited at Eur540–550/mt CIF Italy. “With the US dollar weakening against the euro, the same US dollar price now converts to a lower euro value, giving the illusion of a price drop,” a source explained.
Although some mills have floated the idea of further price hikes, participants were skeptical.
“Imports aren’t particularly attractive right now, and mills might try to capitalize on that — but weak real demand will probably hold prices back,” the source also said.
Platts assessed HRC in Northwest Europe at Eur650/mt EXW Ruhr April 15, and in Southern Europe at Eur630/mt EXW Italy, both stable on the day.
Platts assessed imported HRC in Northern Europe at Eur545/mt CIF Antwerp, stable on the day, and in Southern Europe at Eur535/mt CIF Italy, down Eur5 on the day.
