[SMM Steel] Summer Holidays Weigh on Trading; European HRC Prices Rangebound

Published: Aug 4, 2026 16:46

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[EU] As Europe enters the summer holiday season, trading activity in the domestic hot-rolled coil (HRC) market remains sluggish, with prices continuing to trend within a narrow range. Notably, Italian HRC offers edged up to 830 USD/tonne EXW. Meanwhile, a northern steelmaker announced yesterday a four-week trial restart of its direct-drive sheet production line. On the import front, market activity plunged into a lull following transactions finalized in Southern Europe last week. Turkish HRC was quoted at 640–650 USD/tonne CFR Italy (including duty), standing roughly on par with Indian offers.

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