According to the latest EUROMETAL Market Sentiment survey, the prospects for the European steel distribution sector improved in the fourth quarter of 2026, with both market activity and steel prices expected to increase. Nevertheless, distributors remain cautious about inventories, and their levels are expected to remain broadly stable.
The September EUROMETAL report shows that current activity remains mostly stable, although sentiment has improved compared to the summer months. The proportion of respondents who reported activity above the neutral level increased compared to August, while fewer participants indicated a decrease in activity.
Expectations for activity in the fourth quarter remain положительными
Expectations for activity over the next three months remained positive in September, with the largest share of respondents predicting growth. Significant, however, expects that the share of activity will remain stable, while the comparatively smaller number of participants will decrease.&Евро;
According to EUROMETAL, the results indicate an increase in confidence in market activity during the fourth quarter, although the high proportion of neutral responses indicates that expectations remain measured, not evidence of a strong market recovery.&Евро;
Price expectations began to be supported завышающий
Price expectations They were one of the strongest positive signals in the September survey. The number of respondents expecting an increase in steel prices over the next three months exceeded the number of those who expected stable or lower levels, maintaining the upward trend that is already evident in forecasts. рынка.
Nevertheless However, a significant portion of participants expect prices to remain unchanged, while a comparatively smaller number predict their decline. Therefore, the results indicate higher price expectations as the European distribution market enters the final quarter of the year.
Meanwhile, stock expectations remain largely stable. Most distributors are not planning significant changes to their inventory over the next three months, which suggests that companies are continuing to maintain inventory in line with actual market requirements rather than resorting to aggressive restocking.
Overall, EUROMETAL said the results showed greater confidence than in the summer months, supported by expectations of more activity and more sustainable prices, while continued caution about inventories shows distributors remain cautious about the pace of recovery.
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