The European stainless steel plate market is showing signs of a slight recovery. European steel mills have increased delivery prices for April shipments, with delivery periods extended to April.

A major stainless steel processor reported an increase in sales, but profit margins and pricing have not improved. There was a more optimistic outlook for the second quarter, with expectations that the market will remain slow until the European Union announces its safeguard measures decision in March. 

Sources indicated that the increase in protectionist measures could potentially boost sales activity in Europe.