European heavy plate prices remained largely unchanged in late May, though market participants report continued pressure from weak spot demand. Traders note that while some buyers are active, most distributors are hesitant to build stocks, limiting overall transaction volumes.
Italian re-rollers have been selling heavy plate at €620-640 per tonne ex-works, with most deals occurring at the lower end of the range. Some market participants expect further price declines due to an anticipated drop in slab prices. Offers from Asian suppliers remain scarce, though a Brazilian mill has been offering S355JR-grade plate at €640 per tonne CFR Antwerp.
German mills have been offering plate at €670-700 per tonne ex-works. Meanwhile, Dillinger idled its blast furnace No. 4 in late May for planned repairs, which are expected to last around three months. Despite a fire incident at the furnace, market sources indicate that the stoppage has had minimal impact on deliveries.
