Conditions in the Romanian flat steel spot market have remained largely unchanged this week, as demand has continued to move at relatively modest levels and trading activity has shown little variation compared to previous weeks.
Market participants indicate that business has continued to be driven mainly by regular purchasing requirements, while overall transaction volumes have remained below expectations. Against this backdrop, suppliers have generally maintained their existing price levels, resulting in stable spot market prices week on week.
In the domestic spot market, HRS prices have remained stable at €780-790/mt ex-warehouse, while CRS prices have also remained unchanged week on week, at €880-900/mt ex-warehouse.
Meanwhile, market participants continue to monitor developments at Liberty Galati, the sole flat steel producer in Romania, ahead of the second asset sale procedure scheduled for June 19. According to local media reports, the producer has started preparations to regain its CE marking certification, which is required for supplying steel products within the EU market and is considered an important step towards the potential resumption of production activities at the plant.
Import activity has remained limited this week, with no fresh deals reported in the market. Market sources indicate that Romanian buyers have largely stayed on the sidelines following purchases concluded in recent weeks, while the persistently slow pace of local demand has further reduced the need for additional bookings. The Ukrainian supplier has maintained stable offer levels, with HRS still reported at €760-770/mt CPT Romania and CRS at €850-860/mt CPT Romania. Meanwhile, the Serbian origin HRS offer has been heard at around €885/mt CPT Romania, compared to approximately €800/mt CPT reported previously. Turkish suppliers have, meanwhile, slightly reduced their HRC offers to €555-580/mt CFR Romania, compared to €565-580/mt CFR heard last week. Nevertheless, buying interest in imported material has remained limited, with safeguard quota restrictions and CBAM-related costs continuing to affect purchasing decisions.
