Long products prices in Northern Europe continued to decline in the second half of July due to generally subdued demand, boosted by the traditional summer vacation period.
"This year, the impact of the holidays is stronger than usual," said one of the sellers, who reported this on Wednesday, July 23.
While German factories continued their attempts to sell steel rebar at a price of 620-630 euros (658-669 dollars) per tonne delivered, it was reported that the material from Poland was being sold at a price of 600-610 euros per tonne delivered to Germany, with most transactions closer to the lower limit of this price. assortment.
The lower prices for Polish fittings are due to the weakening of the country's domestic market.
In Austria, it was reported that Italian rebar in rolls was ordered at a price of about 610 euros per ton, which is equivalent to about 600 euros per ton of bars, while earlier in July it was heard that similar material was ordered at higher prices. This is despite the fact that rebar prices in Italy increased in the week to July 23 due to improved demand.
As a result, Fastmarkets' weekly estimate of the price of rebar steel rods shipped to Northern Europe decreased to 600-630 euros per ton on July 23, compared with 615-630 euros per ton on July 16.
In contrast to the rebar sector, prices for wire mesh from German suppliers have dropped to 590-595 euros per ton, according to a local source.
At the same time, prices for materials from Poland are estimated to be affordable at no more than 590 euros per ton.
Fastmarkets' weekly assessment of the quality of steel wire rod (mesh) supplied to the domestic market in Northern Europe decreased to 590-610 euros per ton on July 23 from 600-610 euros per ton on July 16.
Prices for high-end products did not change, as prices in the Netherlands and Denmark are traditionally higher than in Germany and Austria, but demand from the first two markets was limited due to the absence of festive events.
Vlada Novokreschenova
Fastmarkets.com
