Prices for rolled steel products in Italy are gradually rising after a decline in July, which was due to weak demand and low market activity, according to Kallanish.
According to market sources, prices are recovering, and sales remain at a decent level, despite the August break. Demand has increased in Central Europe in recent weeks.
After a period of relative stagnation at the beginning of the third quarter, shipments were at a good level, and manufacturers' order portfolios were well filled. Import restrictions have removed a significant amount of cheaper material from the market, which had held back price increases before the new quota regime was introduced. Now buyers are turning to European suppliers again.
At the same time, production costs remain high due to the rise in price of energy resources and slabs. Prices for slabs are stable compared to the previous month and amount to 560-570 dollars per ton, depending on the quality and volume of the batch.
Italian slab manufacturers are calling delivery dates for October. Two sources note that although demand is not increasing and business is proceeding as usual, they remain moderately optimistic about the prospects, and the lower limit of the July price range is no longer available.
Since July, prices have increased by about 30 euros per ton. Currently, S275 thick-rolled products are sold at 740 euros per ton on a free-of-charge basis, and for the S355 brand the surcharge is about 20 euros per ton.