[SMM Steel] European HRC Market Attempts Price Hikes Amid Persistent Demand Weakness
[EU] European hot-rolled coil (HRC) prices rose yesterday, particularly in the north, as some producers moved to capitalize on recent import quota reductions to raise their offers. In the south, suppliers remain on the sidelines with mills generally absent from the spot market, though Italian HRC offers have risen to 772.50 USD/tonne EXW; meanwhile, HRC delivery prices in the northern region have increased to above 795 USD/tonne. Market participants note that prices are fluctuating as buyers adjust to the hikes, and buyers mostly remain in a wait-and-see stance. Overall, while mills are attempting to drive price increases, weak end-user demand and high inventory levels continue to suppress the momentum for significant price growth.