Accurate steel prices bring clarity to uncertain market

Europe’s steel buyers are increasingly turning to accurate, independently researched price insight to gain a competitive advantage as they procure material in September.

MEPS International researchers continued their calls with market participants as most European steelmakers, stockists and end-users paused their activities during the region’s summer holidays. As steel buyers return to the market, MEPS’s steel price data, commentaries and forecasts will ensure that they navigate a climate of low demand, and increased supply complexity, to make well-informed purchasing decisions. 

MEPS head of price analysis and forecasts, Kaye Ayub, said: “With many European steelmakers pausing production for extended summer maintenance periods and greater caution surrounding imports, due to the January 2026 introduction of CBAM, uncertainty about supply is starting to grow in a sector that continues to be defined by low demand.  

“There is a sense that steel buyers are watching the market, trying to anticipate the best time to buy. Steel price data, commentary and forecasts from MEPS will ensure that they are making well-informed buying decisions when the time comes. At a time when so many businesses are working with tight profit margins, few can afford to ignore such a rich source of independently researched insight.” 

European steel market’s low price landscape 

The August edition of MEPS’s European Steel Review showed that prices for most steel products had remained stable, at a low level, or registered further modest declines. MEPS’s Europe Average dataset showed that hot rolled coil was the only flat steel product to register a modest price increase during the period – up just 0.2-0.5%. Rebar was the only long product to increase, rising by 1.8-3.3%. 

EU mills are now pushing for increases amid expectations of reduced supply resulting from CBAM. However, demand is expected to remain subdued. Furthermore, high steel inventories and a further influx of imported material during the EU safeguard measures’ quarter four customs clearance period – the last before the implementation of CBAM taxes, from January 1, 2026 – will undermine any upward price pressure. 

Ayub said: “With European steel prices forecast to remain low for the remainder of the year, the pressure on steel buyers to secure material at the right price has never been greater. MEPS’s trusted steel price data and forecasts provide the insight they need to navigate a challenging market with confidence.” 

A trusted insight provider for 45 years 

MEPS International was founded by Peter Fish in 1979. The business developed its unique method of steel price discovery in the early 1980s as a need for accurate price data was required during and after the European steel industry’s “manifest crisis”. 

Today, MEPS’s steel market reviews provide insight on 27 countries, across five continents. The company is trusted by over 50 Fortune Global 500 companies to provide accurate steel market insight. 

MEPS produces a total of seven steel market review publications, featuring market commentaries, steel prices, price indices and forecasts for countries and regions around the world. It also facilitates a flexible approach to steel market intelligence, tailoring packages to suit customers’ insight requirements and budgets. 

MEPS’s European Steel Review features research from Europe’s key steel markets – Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom – providing commentaries, prices, price indices and forecasts. The European Steel Review Supplement features additional insight on Austria, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden. 

Contact MEPS to explore subscription options or fill in an online form to request a complimentary publication.