Global Cold Rolled Coil Market Faces Price Declines Amid Supply and Demand Challenges in Major Regions

The global Cold Rolled Coil (CRC) market in late October showed a pattern of price declines across major regions, shaped by varied supply and demand challenges. US, Germany and China Cold Rolled Coil market faced a similar dip, driven by weak consumption and a narrowing price gap between domestic and imported products.

The USA Cold Rolled Coil market experienced a price decrease as fluctuations in demand and a reduction in imports impacted the landscape. Moreover, supply for Cold Rolled Coil remains constrained, impacted by reduced steel imports and high import tariffs due to low demand, which continue to pressure the domestic market. The main import sources, Canada, Brazil, and Mexico, contributed heavily to these volumes. These shifting import dynamics are creating pockets of uncertainty in supply, leading domestic producers to adjust their strategies for the weeks ahead. Additionally, demand for Cold Rolled Coil products remains somewhat softened, particularly as the economic outlook remains cautious. The demand for specific products, especially in the construction and automotive sectors, helps to sustain certain segments of the market, but the overall Cold Rolled Coil demand landscape reflects a pullback as customers adjust to fluctuating prices and inventory levels. The economic factors, including high tariffs and geopolitical uncertainties, continue to impact buyers’ confidence and contributed to demand variability.   

Cold Rolled Coil prices in Germany saw a decline due to supply and demand imbalance. Additionally, supply conditions in Germany’s Cold Rolled Coil market remain steady, although market participants are cautious about potential supply adjustments. Despite ongoing discussions on import dynamics, reduced demand has kept overall supply levels manageable. Additionally, a narrowing spread between import and domestic prices has diminished the price advantage of imported Cold Rolled Coil. Furthermore, demand for Cold Rolled Coil in Germany has been lacklustre, with weak consumption weighing on market activity. Moreover, domestic mills have maintained competitive pricing to attract buyers, but demand from end-users remains muted. Following the EuroBlech steel fair, participants were left with "mixed feelings" on market direction, as restocking needs among buyers remain minimal.

China’s Cold Rolled Coil market experienced a decrease in prices due to market uncertainty. Furthermore, demand for Cold Rolled Coil in China continues to be weak, significantly affected by reduced procurement from end-use sectors and unfavourable weather conditions that have slowed down construction and manufacturing activities. The implementation of new national standards has added to market uncertainty, making buyers hesitant to make purchases. Additionally, adjustments in social inventory reflect a decline in demand, as buyers delay placing new orders.

Additionally, concerns about a potential global recession have dampened market sentiment, making downstream sectors hesitant to restock Cold Rolled Coil at previous volumes.   

According to ChemAnalyst, sales of Cold Rolled Coil in the US and Germany are expected to decline may be impacted by sluggish purchasing activity. In China, Cold Rolled Coil prices are anticipated to drop due to a combination of weak market confidence and an adequate supply of products.