[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] European Stainless Flat Prices Gain Momentum Amid Tight Imports and Soaring Scrap Costs

Published: Mar 25, 2026 23:14

Save

According to EUROMETAL, European stainless steel flat product prices are climbing steadily, driven by soaring scrap costs, extended mill lead times, and a sharp decline in imports resulting from the CBAM and upcoming safeguard measures. For May delivery, Cold Rolled Coil (CRC) deals are settling between $2,877 and $2,960/tonne, while Hot Rolled Coil (HRC) is trading around $2,645 to $2,702/tonne. Producers, facing tight scrap supplies—with 304 scrap expected to exceed $1,610/tonne in April—are already pushing June CRC offers to $2,990/tonne, with projections hitting $3,105/tonne by June/July to offset squeezed margins. Despite these hikes, downstream demand remains largely subdued as buyers struggle to absorb the higher costs.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

Common.Time.hoursAgo

Data: SHFE, DCE market movement (Mar 26)

The following table shows the ferrous and nonferrous metals movement on the SHFE and DCE on 26 Mar , 2026

Common.Time.hoursAgo

[SMM Nickel Midday Commentary] On March 26, influenced by expectations surrounding the policy of “Indonesia's proposed levy of a nickel export tax,” nickel prices rose significantly

Common.Time.hoursAgo

【SMM Flash News】Indonesia's HPM Forecasted to Decrease 1.37% in Early April

SMM forecasts a marginal softening in the Indonesian domestic nickel ore benchmark (HPM) for the first half of April 2026, with prices expected to decline by 1.37%. This downward adjustment is primarily driven by a $236.56/dmt drop in the HMA, which is projected to settle at $17,093/dmt. Based on an MC35% calculation, the revised HPM targets across key grades are as follows: • Ni 1.2%: USD 17.33/wmt (↓ $0.24) • Ni 1.6%: USD 30.22/wmt (↓ $0.42) • Ni 1.7%: USD 34.00/wmt (↓ $0.47) • Ni 1.8%: USD 38.00/wmt (↓ $0.53) • Ni 2.0%: USD 46.66/wmt (↓ $0.65)

Common.Time.hoursAgo