European domestic heavy plate prices rose in the week ending Dec. 5, although market activity remained muted as buyers weighed CBAM developments and year-end order visibility.
Producers continued to float higher Q1 offers during the week, but actual transactions largely reflected existing commitments rather than fresh buying.
Platts assessed domestic plate at Eur645/mt ex-works Italy, up Eur15 on the week, and at Eur705/mt ex-works Ruhr, up Eur10 on the week.
Platts assessed imported slab at $510/mt CIF Italy, stable on the week.
Italian S275 plate tradable values were reported at Eur650-660/mt ex-works for February delivery, while offers stretched to Eur700/mt for select material.
S235 plate in Northern Europe saw offers at Eur720-740/mt ex-works Ruhr, with DAP quotes for S355 reaching Eur750-785/mt. Market participants emphasized that elevated levels were mostly aspirational, with end-user demand described as subdued.
Slab prices held steady, with Asian- and Brazil-origin material heard at $500-520/mt CIF Italy. Sources noted that forward bookings for Q1 remained limited, as buyers awaited greater clarity on CBAM documentation and potential safeguard adjustments.
Several market sources highlighted a lack of import interest for coils and plate, citing regulatory uncertainty and existing coverage for January deliveries. One Italy-based mill noted that “buyers are covered and will receive material; there is no urgency until March.”
A European trader added that project-related demand was the only segment showing any movement.
