The European steel plate market continues to stagnate due to slow demand and limited trading activity. In Southern Europe, domestic prices for commodity-grade steel heavy plate have remained stuck at €630-650 per tonne ex-works, with transactions reported within this range. Offers for May rolling at €660-670 per tonne have not been achievable in spot sales.
In Northern Europe, trading has also been quiet, with earlier attempts by German mills to lift prices largely unsuccessful. Achievable prices for commodity-grade heavy plate, such as s235 and s275, are estimated to be below €700 per tonne. Some sources noted improved demand from shipbuilding and the wind energy sector, particularly for offshore foundations and monopiles.
Market participants report that stockholders and end users are only purchasing missing dimensions or grades, contributing to the stagnation. Import offers have been limited due to new safeguards introduced in April, although sufficient stocks of imported plate are available at prices €20-30 per tonne lower than local material.
