en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Spanish steel market enters its traditional summer business lull in July. Multiple factors are influencing market trends, including weakened seasonal demand, declining order volumes, and the official implementation this month of a new EU regulatory mechanism for steel imports. Most metallurgical companies schedule planned maintenance during this period.

Scrap prices continued to decline in early July, with the drop aligning with global raw material market trends, falling by approximately €10 to €15 per ton. Market participants note that manufacturers tend to increase scrap purchases moderately to build inventory before the summer production halt.

Currently, E8 grade and E40 shredded scrap (pulverized) are quoted at around €325/ton; E3 grade ranges between €295 and €300/ton; and E1 grade is approximately €280/ton (including freight). Most suppliers expect further price declines in July, as the global scrap market has yet to bottom out.

Demand for rebar is also weak. Distributor data shows that new EU import restrictions have introduced more uncertainty, prompting construction companies to delay purchases. Additionally, relatively high prices are making buyers hesitant.

The base quotation for 16mm diameter rebar is €508 to €518/ton; after including size surcharges (€262/ton) and loading fees, transaction prices fall within the €770 to €780/ton range (EXW). Some producers have quoted prices of €790 to €800/ton.

The hot-rolled coil (HRC) market is generally stable. Metallurgical companies are attempting to raise prices, but weak demand across most downstream industries means buyers are reluctant to accept increases. The automotive sector is performing relatively better, with consumption remaining at acceptable levels. Spanish HRC ex-works (EXW) prices range from €740 to €750/ton; distributor quotes including freight exceed €780/ton.