European steel HRC price trends

Steel hot-rolled coil (HRC) prices in Europe have experienced upward pressure due to supply constraints and rising operational costs.

In early September, prices rose in Northern Europe and Italy. In Northern Europe, supply was tightened by planned maintenance at thyssenkrupp’s Duisburg blast furnace, which was expected to reduce material availability through the end of the year. In Italy, prices trended higher following the summer holiday slowdown and uncertainty regarding steel safeguard duties.

By mid-September, price increases continued in Northern Europe, Spain, and Central Europe, though levels declined in Italy despite tight supply. In Northern Europe, the Fastmarkets daily steel HRC index reached €745 per tonne, reflecting a monthly increase of €26.25 per tonne. This upward trend was driven by electricity costs in Europe rising by more than 50% over a four-month period, forcing mills to raise prices to cover production expenses. While trading activity remained slow due to weak end-user demand, import activity was limited by reduced quotas and higher duties on out-of-quota shipments.