Cold Rolled Coil Prices Surge in US & Germany Amid Supply Struggles, While China Maintains Stability
- 24-Feb-2025 4:05 PM
- Journalist: Bob Duffler
With the week ending on 21st February, the global Cold Rolled Coil market is witnessing price fluctuations, driven by varying supply and demand factors across key regions. In the US and Germany, Cold Rolled Coil prices have surged as supply struggles to keep up with increasing consumption. Meanwhile, China’s Cold Rolled Coil prices remain stable as balanced supply and demand dynamics keep the market steady.
The prices of Cold Rolled Coil increased by 3.3%, driven by nuanced shifts in supply and demand dynamics. The supply side of the Cold Rolled Coil market faces challenges as indicated by the decline in domestic raw steel production reported by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) for the last week of January. This decreased production highlights low supply levels, which are affecting availability of the product in the market.
On the demand front, the automotive sector remains a significant driver of Cold Rolled Coil consumption. Additionally, New vehicle sales in January 2025 reached an impressive 1,112,483 units, reflecting a 3.7% increase compared to the same month last year. As the shift towards EVs accelerates, these manufacturers are driving demand for Cold Rolled Coil, which further impacting the prices of the product.
The prices for Cold Rolled Coil in Germany increased by 0.6%, influenced by significant production challenges amid rising energy costs. The supply side of the Cold Rolled Coil is experiencing notable constraints. A key player, Georgsmarienhuette Gruppe (GMH), recently announced the shutdown of its Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) at the Osnabrück plant due to soaring energy prices. The EAF has faced daily production stops since early January, further reducing supply levels.
Moreover, GMH plans to keep the EAF inactive until the end of February, with a reassessment of the situation expected thereafter. This production halt has contributed to the tightening of supply in the market, setting the stage for upward pressure on prices.
Conversely, the demand for Cold Rolled Coil increased, bolstered by advancements in production capabilities and ongoing modernization efforts in the industry. Moreover, as consumers shift towards electric mobility, the need for high-quality steel products is increasing, and influencing the prices of the product.
The prices of Cold Rolled Coil in China remain stable due to no fluctuation observed in supply and demand. This price steadiness is an indication of a well-balanced market, supported by consistent production levels and steady demand from various sectors.
On the supply side, Chinese steelmakers have successfully maintained consistent output, ensuring that production levels remain closely aligned with domestic demand. This careful management of production capabilities has helped prevent any significant supply disruptions, reinforcing market stability.
In terms of demand, the Chinese Cold Rolled Coil market is benefiting from ongoing industrial activity, which has shown moderate growth across various sectors. This stable demand aligns with current supply levels, further reinforcing the overall health of the market and contributing to price stability.
According to ChemAnalyst, prices of Cold Rolled Coil in the United States and Germany are projected to rise, primarily driven by ongoing supply chain disruptions and shifting demand patterns. Meanwhile, in China, Cold Rolled Coil prices are expected to maintain stability as the market continues to navigate a balance between supply and demand dynamics.