17 December 2025 – Stainless steel prices in Europe have increased in recent days ahead of the CBAM launch in January 2026. U.S. aluminium premiums climb to a new record high. EU steel tariffs: technical problems on the “Have your say” feedback portal cause a sharp drop in participation.
U.S. Aluminium Premiums at a New Record High
And like clockwork, though meant figuratively, the U.S. aluminium premiums, which have been rising steadily since the beginning of 2025, have once again climbed to a new record high. This week they reached the 90 cents/lb mark (approx. USD 1,984/MT).
U.S. Aluminium Inventories at Very Low Levels
At the end of November, media reports indicated that aluminium inventories in the United States had fallen to just under 250,000 metric tonnes, roughly equivalent to one month of demand for U.S. industry.
Aluminium prices on the LME commodity exchange stood at around USD 2,881/MT yesterday, Tuesday, about 1.6% higher than in the previous month of November.
Stainless Steel Prices in Europe Rise
According to market sources, stainless steel prices in Europe have increased by up to EUR 100 per tonne in recent days. Further price increases are expected. Domestic stainless steel producers are also showing reluctance in responding to inquiries and are currently attempting to shift orders and deliveries into spring 2026 in order to capture the expected price increases resulting from the CO2 tax CBAM, which will start on 1 January 2026.
EU Steel Tariffs: “Have your say” Hampered by Technical Problems
The European Commission’s “Have your say” consultation on the planned steel tariffs and import quotas ended yesterday. On the very last day of the process-traditionally the day when the largest number of submissions is made-there were, of all times, significant technical difficulties that prevented many companies from submitting feedback for several hours. This was ultimately reflected in a 45% drop in participation numbers.
Since the Commission’s “Have your say” portal (fortunately?) crashed on the final day of the feedback period, it will be interesting to see how the results are used this time to serve Brussels’ political objectives. In the first round, the Commission largely ignored the legitimate concerns of the downstream industry and made that more than clear in its legislative proposal.
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