The coil market in Northwestern Europe continues to experience sluggish activity. ArcelorMittal has made another attempt to increase coil prices this month, aiming to push hot-rolled coil prices above €600 per tonne ex-works. While they occasionally achieve this target, transactions below this price still occur in Germany and Benelux, with Scandinavian prices tending to be higher. ArcelorMittal is now asking for €20-30 per tonne more for second-quarter deliveries, with some German mills asking for even €50 per tonne more. However, traders remain skeptical about the potential for new prices to pass through due to high stock levels at service centers and some capacities reopening in Italy and Eastern Europe.
Market participants are cautious, with buyers being reserved in their purchasing decisions, making it difficult for mills to make long-term plans. A German buyer noted that prices are strengthening due to potential EU measures against imports, but demand is not growing significantly, so price increases are not expected to be dramatic. The market's mood remains uncertain, especially in Germany after the elections, and the success of measures against imports will determine if there is room for further price hikes or if the market will stagnate.
