EN10025-2 S235 / S275 / S355 Carbon Steel Plate Price 2025

For 2025, standard EN10025-2 hot-rolled structural plates in grades S235, S275 and S355 traded in Europe generally within a USD ~600–720 per metric tonne band, with S355 often carrying a modest premium because of its higher minimum yield strength and broader use in heavy structural work. Market rhythm through the year showed restricted offers from some suppliers and regional sourcing influenced final landed costs.

what the title means

The designation EN10025-2 refers to the European technical delivery standard for hot-rolled structural steels. The letters S235, S275 and S355 indicate the nominal minimum yield strength in MPa (235, 275, 355). The standard specifies chemical limits, tensile requirements, toughness testing options and delivery conditions for flat products in these strength classes.

Short technical summary

We present the basic mechanical floor values commonly requested by designers and inspectors:

• S235: minimum yield ~235 MPa at standard thickness reference; typical tensile strength band depends on thickness and subgrade.

• S275: minimum yield ~275 MPa at reference thickness; higher strength provides improved section efficiency.

• S355: minimum yield ~355 MPa at reference thickness; widely used for medium-to-heavy structural plate where weight savings or higher load capacity are required.

Minimum elongation and tensile ranges vary with nominal thickness and test orientation. The EN10025 family includes detailed tables that specify the exact test pieces and acceptance limits for each thickness band.

How the plate is made, delivered and certified

We manufacture hot-rolled plates in coils or plate form using standard hot strip mill routes followed by leveling and cutting to size. Typical delivery conditions under EN10025-2 include:

• Delivery condition: hot rolled, normalized or control-rolled variants depending on sub-grade (J0, J2, JR labels reflect impact test temperature requirements).

• Surface condition: mill scale present; pickling or shot blasting offered on request.

• Dimensions: common thickness range for structural plate spans from 3.5 mm up to 40+ mm in different subgrades; width and length depend on mill cut capabilities.

• Certification: mill Test Certificate to EN 10204 3.1 or 2.2 upon request; heat number traceability is standard.

Buyers should confirm required impact toughness temperature (for instance J2 requires -20°C testing) because this affects production route and price.

Typical chemical ranges and mechanical behavior

EN10025-2 prescribes maxima for elements such as carbon, manganese, phosphorus and sulfur, with additional limits for alloying where required. Chemical control influences weldability and heat treatment behavior. Our practical observations:

• Carbon equivalents remain low in commercial S-grades, which helps preserve weldability for common joining methods.

• S355 typically has slightly tighter chemistry control to guarantee higher tensile and yield figures.

• Weld procedures must be qualified to account for plate thickness and joint design.

For quoting and material selection, request the specific sub-grade (JR, J0, J2 etc.) and a 3.1 certificate for critical projects.

Applications and selection criteria

We see S235 used frequently for general structural work, frames and non-critical sections. S275 fits medium-duty structural members and moderately loaded connections. S355 is the go-to for bridge parts, large fabrications, heavy machinery bases and offshore support where extra strength reduces section size. Selection should match design safety factors, weld practice, and any toughness requirements indicated in the contract documents.

2025 market snapshot — what determined price movement

The 2025 price environment was driven by a mix of raw material trends, regional demand recovery, freight costs and trade policies. For Europe specifically, market offers for commodity heavy plate moved in a narrow range with some imports offered near USD 680/tonne FCA Antwerp during tighter supply windows; buyers responded with caution when import offers exceeded domestic parity. Observers reported muted demand in parts of the region, which pressured trading ranges.

We note that price reporting services and consultancies tracked European base steel reference prices near USD ~650–670/tonne through late summer 2025, reflecting input cost changes and regional trading flows.

Global price comparison (2025 estimates)

Below we provide an industry-level comparison for typical hot-rolled EN10025-2 structural plate in 2025. These ranges reflect common market offers for commodity grade plate with standard mill finish, quoted per metric tonne, FOB or FCA terms depending on region. Figures are indicative; final landed cost includes freight, duties, local taxes and cutting/processing.

We include European source citations for the continental band and market commentary to anchor the table.

Price drivers explained

We break down the principal elements that moved prices in 2025:

• Raw materials: scrap, coking coal and iron ore swings influence hot-rolled plate margins.

• Energy costs: high energy prices raise mill operating costs, which can transfer to offers.

• Logistics: container and bulk freight cost changes affect landed cost when sourcing internationally.

• Trade measures: safeguard duties or quotas can remove low-cost offers from certain origins.

• Demand mix: large fabrication projects or slowdowns in construction change buying patterns quickly.

• Specification premium: impact testing at low temperatures or tighter tolerances may carry extra cost.

We recommend buyers lock specification early because small changes in required sub-grade or impact requirements often lead to lead-time shifts and higher quotes.

Procurement checklist for buyers

When we prepare quotes for clients, we insist on a tight procurement brief. Include the following in every RFQ:

1. Exact EN10025-2 grade including subcategory (e.g., S355J2+N).

2. Required plate thicknesses, widths and lengths, plus acceptable tolerances.

3. Required impact toughness temperatures and testing level (JR, J0, J2).

4. Certificate requirement (EN 10204 3.1 usually for critical jobs).

5. Delivery Incoterm and expected delivery window.

6. Any surface treatment requirement (pickled, shot-blasted, painted).

7. Number of heat numbers per delivery plate run acceptable to client.

8. Non-destructive testing needs if necessary for fatigue or pressure work.

A precise RFQ shortens supplier queries and reduces hidden commercial risk.

Inspection, testing and acceptance points

We insist on these minimum checks at goods receipt:

• Verify mill Test Certificate heat numbers match plates.

• Check thickness and flatness against the order.

• Visual check for lamination and surface splits; magnetic particle testing if doubt exists.

• Random tensile and impact test witness when contract demands.

• Packaging and marking conformity.

For high-value structural projects, witness testing at the mill and 3.1 material certification are recommended.

Fabrication, welding and repair guidance

To minimize rework, we supply these practical rules:

• Choose compatible filler wire matched to the plate grade and thickness.

• Preheat recommendations depend on thickness and joint geometry; thicker sections often need controlled preheat to avoid cold cracking.

• For structural welds, follow a qualified WPS scope derived from the plate’s chemistry and thickness.

• If cutting by flame, allow for increased HAZ hardness; for critical joints, consider plasma or CNC burning followed by edge prep.

• Repair of laminations or slivers should be done under metallurgical advice; often replacement is safer.

Sustainability and recycling

Steel has strong circular economy credentials. We prioritize sourcing mills with scrap-based electric arc furnace production when a lower carbon footprint is requested. Buyers who set embodied carbon goals should request Environmental Product Declarations or mill CO₂ intensity reporting. This factor may affect price and supplier choice.

Risk management and contract tips

We advise including a clear escalation clause that addresses force majeure, freight surges and raw material spikes. Define acceptance testing, holdback for latent defects, and dispute resolution. For large projects, phased deliveries with agreed price collars can reduce exposure to sudden market swings.

Practical pricing negotiation strategies we follow

We list tried tactics that work in tight markets:

• Ask for multiple delivery window options; sometimes later shipments are cheaper.

• Request long-run pricing for repeat orders.

• Consolidate orders to get mill lot pricing but beware of storage costs.

• Consider partial acceptance for surface finish work if internal painting covers mill scale.

• Use local inspection and pre-shipment inspection reports to reduce in-country holdups.

Global sourcing pitfalls — what to avoid

We keep an eye on the following traps:

• Under-specified certificates. Generic certificates that lack heat number traceability cause major issues.

• Ignoring impact test temperature requirements for structural steel in low temperatures.

• Choosing lowest price without including freight, duties, and inspection cost.

• Failure to confirm plate finish and edge condition for critical fabrications.

Sample commercial specification

We include a compact reference paragraph buyers may copy:

Supply EN10025-2 S355J2+N hot-rolled plate, nominal thickness 16 mm, width 2000 mm, length 6000 mm, mill test certificate EN 10204 3.1, impact test −20°C, delivery FCA port, quantity 200 tonnes. Plate tolerance to EN10029 for thickness and flatness.

FAQ

Q1: What are the main differences between S235, S275 and S355?
We respond that the primary distinction is the minimum yield strength value: roughly 235, 275 and 355 MPa respectively at reference thickness. S355 provides greater load capacity per section, letting designers reduce section dimensions if permitted by code. Toughness testing and production route may differ between grades, which can affect price and lead time. Coen Steel+1

Q2: Does S355 always cost more than S235?
Often S355 carries a premium because it needs tighter control to meet higher mechanical thresholds and sometimes different processing. However, market swings, regional supply and order volume can produce exceptions; sometimes bulk offers for S235 and S355 land very close in price. Buyers should compare total landed cost, not just the mill quote.

Q3: What certificate should I ask for?
For structural work we typically request an EN 10204 3.1 mill test certificate that includes chemical analysis, mechanical tests and heat number traceability for each lot. For critical projects a witnessed test or additional third-party inspection can be specified.

Q4: How much will freight and duties change the plate price?
Freight and duties often add between a few percent up to 20% or more of mill price depending on origin, transport mode and tariff regime. For international sourcing always request FOB or FCA quotes with itemized transport and duty exposure so you can compare apples to apples.

Q5: What should fabricators check on first receipt?
We advise verifying mill certificates, matching heat numbers, thickness and flatness tolerances, then performing a visual inspection for laminations or severe surface defects. If the order required impact testing, verify the test report temperature and acceptance data.