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

Published: Mar 25, 2026 23:14

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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.

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