Steel distributors’ association EUROMETAL’s inaugural market sentiment survey indicates that members anticipate stable steel prices in the fourth quarter. Despite below-average activity in the third quarter, respondents across various European markets expect prices to remain generally stable.

However, the outlook for the UK, Ireland, the Balkans, and the Visegrad region is slightly more optimistic, with average or stable activity anticipated. In contrast, Iberia is expected to see higher prices in the fourth quarter. Most major end-use sectors are likely to remain subdued, with forecasts for continued below-average activity in the automotive, construction, packaging, machinery, and white goods segments.

However, activity in the tubes and energy sectors is expected to improve from below average to above average. Stock levels going into the fourth quarter appear mostly stable, although flat steel service centers report below-average inventories.