FOCUS: European steelmakers look early to Q4 bulk alloys deals

European steelmakers are returning to the bulk alloys markets for quarterly deliveries to be shipped between October and December due to persistent supply tightness, shipping delays and container shortages and strong steel production and prices, sources told Fastmarkets.

It had appeared that steelmakers were satisfied with their current quarterly intake of ferro-alloys and would typically return for their next round of three-month purchases in late August and September.
Consumer sentiment also suggested that they are reluctant to buy ferro-alloys when prices are high - many alloys are at peaks - but recently it appears that steel producers do not want to be caught short, given current business conditions and strong steel markets that seem likely to last through until January, so consumer are now expressing buying interest for the fourth quarter.

Some smaller deals for manganese alloys have already been heard for October and November delivery, with firm buying inquiries reported...

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