[SMM Steel] EU carbon prices stay at €74-77/t in early May
[SMM Steel] EU carbon allowance (EUA Dec-2026) prices remained at €74-77/t in early May, similar to late-April levels, with April average prices at €74.04/t, up 5.7% from March. The market was influenced by Middle East tensions, energy price volatility, and EU ETS policy revisions. The European Commission proposed updated EU ETS benchmarks for 2026-2030, with free allowances expected to cover around 75% of industrial emissions and potentially save industries €4 billion in carbon costs. Reuters surveys also showed analysts lowering 2026 carbon price forecasts to €80.61/t from €92.65/t previously.