The European stainless flat steel market is experiencing a prolonged downturn, with weak order intake and declining coil prices adding pressure to the sector. Mills have reduced prices for June and July deliveries, with coil values dropping by over €100 per tonne from recent highs.
Supply continues to exceed demand, and a significant influx of material from Asia is expected by July, further impacting domestic purchases. Service centers and buyers are engaging in low-volume transactions to minimize exposure in an unpredictable market.
Despite the current challenges, some industry participants anticipate a potential recovery after the summer, as inventory levels decrease and buyers shift toward domestic sourcing for quicker delivery times.
