Carbon flat steel: reduced availability and further price increases expected
In the carbon sheet steel segment, there is growing concern about the availability of grades and volumes required by the European manufacturing sector. According to initial estimates by market participants, the quotas actually used may fall by 60-70 percent, taking into account the risk of a 50 percent duty, existing anti-dumping measures and the allocation of quotas to countries that traditionally export only limited amounts of steel to the EU.Assofermet warned that the new framework could lead to higher costs for European industry without any corresponding improvement in demand, which remained weak in June. After the temporary suspension of sales in early July, Italian manufacturers returned to the market with widespread price increases. Thus, the association expects steel prices to follow a gradual but sustained upward trend.
Stainless steel flat products: demand continues to weaken
Demand in the stainless steel sheet segment slowed further in June without any signs of recovery in the short term. The decrease in consumption is also associated with the gradual relocation of production activities outside the EU.
According to Assofermet, trade protection measures limit the import of rolls and plates, while finished products and components manufactured in third countries continue to enter the European market more easily.
Inventory segment: June marks a setback
After the improvement recorded in May, there was a new decline in sales in June, both in physical and monetary terms. The market continues to be characterized by weak demand, high inventory levels, and limited trading activity.
Long products decreased both from year to year and from month to month, which was affected by the weakness of the automotive and heavy industries, as well as the absence of major new construction projects.
The picture for flat-rolled products was more ambiguous. Compared to June 2025, the segment recorded
