Following last week’s decline driven by high inventories and weak demand, Romanian flat steel spot prices have stabilized, with levels unchanged week on week. However, market sentiment remains fragile.
Demand is still sluggish, liquidity issues continue to restrict purchasing capacity, and, with the holiday season approaching, market participants see little chance of a near-term recovery. As domestic demand stays muted, the import market has also remained quiet, with Romanian buyers showing very limited interest in new bookings.
At present, spot market quotations for hot rolled sheet (HRS) stand unchanged at €710-735/mt ex-warehouse, while cold rolled sheet (CRS) continues to be offered at €825-845/mt ex-warehouse, also stable week on week.
On the other hand, Liberty Galati, the country’s sole flat steel producer, has remained silent with no updates regarding production or future operations. The outlook for the plant continues to appear bleak, as legal and financial pressures persist. Local media report that the courts are still attempting to address the company’s ongoing difficulties, and, given the scale of unresolved issues and outstanding complaints, industry sources believe that a resolution will likely take time. For now, uncertainty around Liberty Galati’s future remains a significant concern for the Romanian steel sector.
In the import market, activity has likewise remained muted, as Romania’s weak domestic demand continues to limit buyers’ interest in securing new volumes. Most Romanian customers are purchasing only occasional medium-sized lots from nearby suppliers, mainly to replenish minimum stock levels. The Ukrainian mill has kept its prices unchanged from last week, offering HRS at €650-660/mt CPT and CRS at €740-750/mt CPT. A Slovakian supplier has also maintained stable pricing, continuing to quote HRS at €660-670/mt CPT.
In contrast, Turkish mills have lifted their HRC offers, supported by firmer sentiment in the scrap market. Offers for January shipment have now settled at €475-495/mt CFR, compared with last week’s €475-485/mt CFR, including estimated freight costs of €15-20/mt. These import levels remain duty-free depending on the origin, although Turkish material continues to be subject to EU antidumping duties.
