Romania’s flat steel spot market has remained stable this week, but trading conditions continue to reflect weak demand, high inventories and tight liquidity. Although CBAM-related expectations initially suggested firmer prices, this has not materialized as year-end seasonality and upcoming holidays have further slowed purchasing activity.
Market participants report that sizeable discounts remain available, particularly for advance payments and larger tonnages, highlighting buyers’ reluctance to commit and the ongoing pressure on sellers to secure cash flow in a subdued market.
As a result, spot market pricing has held steady, with hot rolled sheet (HRS) still quoted at €710-735/mt ex-warehouse and cold rolled sheet (CRS) offered at €825-845/mt ex-warehouse, both unchanged from the previous week. However, despite the apparent stability, the real trading levels in the market continue to differ noticeably. Several traders report that meaningful business is only taking place when discounts are granted, especially for buyers able to commit to larger tonnages and provide advance payment. Under these conditions, HRS has been transacted at significantly lower workable levels of €680-690/mt ex-warehouse, while CRS has been heard at €775-790/mt ex-warehouse.
Meanwhile, the sole Romanian flat steel producer, Liberty Galati, has remained inactive, with no new announcements regarding its future. The company’s situation continues to look uncertain, as court proceedings are still ongoing and many workers are seeking alternative employment while a large number reportedly have yet to receive their unpaid salaries.
In the import segment, activity has remained limited as Romanian buyers continue to scale back purchases heading into the year-end, with slow domestic demand further reducing interest in new bookings. Despite this muted buying environment, most suppliers have held their prices steady over the past week, and only minor adjustments have been observed. According to market sources, the Ukrainian mill has kept its offers unchanged, continuing to quote hot rolled sheet (HRS) at €650-660/mt CPT and cold rolled sheet (CRS) at €740-750/mt CPT. A Slovakian supplier has also maintained stable pricing, offering HRS at €660-670/mt CPT, the same levels reported previously. In contrast, Turkish mills have made a slight downward adjustment on the upper end of their offer range. Their HRC prices for January shipment now stand at €475-490/mt CFR, compared with last week’s €475-495/mt CFR. These levels include estimated freight costs of €15-20/mt and remain duty-free depending on origin, though Turkish material continues to be subject to EU antidumping duties.
