As France came out of lockdown on 11 May, French plate prices remain stable compared to last week. However, these have lost €20/tonne ($21.6/t) this month compared to April, distribution sources tell Kallanish.

The market in France remains extremely quiet as the business slowdown due to the coronavirus has completely frozen sales. Until last week buyers had not been receiving material for their previous orders. Activity should slowly resume this week despite the high level of uncertainty. “Generally speaking, all flat prices have held in France except for heavy plates which have lowered slightly compared to last month. We are beginning to receive requests for material but buyers are extremely cautious,” a distributor says.   

Domestic plate prices from distributors are now at €510/t ex-works on average for the basic S275 quality, sources suggest. As companies emerge from lockdown, plate stocks remain high, Kallanish hears.