According to the latest monthly market report published by Assofermet on September 7, activity in the Italian steel market is gradually resuming after the summer break, although demand remains weak and the international situation has remained virtually unchanged since the end of July. Geopolitical tensions and persistently high energy prices continue to put pressure on market sentiment and steel consumption.
In the carbon flat steel segment, European manufacturers are seeking to establish a new upward trend in prices, driven by high energy costs and increased trade barriers restricting steel imports. However, Assofermet warned that it is becoming increasingly difficult for distributors and manufacturers of secondary products to shift higher raw material costs onto the shoulders of customers without undermining their competitiveness. In this regard, the association once again called for the adoption of measures to protect trade and the environment, which, if preserved, should be extended to secondary products, as well as to the production of primary steel.Attention also remains focused on the future of Acciaierie d'Italia. Assofermet expressed concern about the decision of the Milan Court of Appeal, according to which hot production was stopped at the Taranto plant on October 28. The Association has asked the Italian Government to provide regular updates on the progress of negotiations, given the strategic importance of the plant for the country's steel supply chain.
In the stainless steel sheet segment, July remained weak both in terms of supplies and prices. During the first half of the year, manufacturers managed to achieve significant price increases, which were facilitated by a decrease in the availability of imported goods, while distributors were only able to partially compensate for this increase, which led to lower margins. Final demand, however, remains low, making the overall market situation unstable.
In the warehouse segment, the period from July to August ended with a general increase in sales compared to the same period in 2025, despite a decrease in distributed profits. Volumes. The improvement was mainly due to an increase in average unit prices, as well as new EU protective measures that came into force on July 1, while production volumes continued to decline due to weak demand in the secondary market. Long products remained the weakest segment in physical terms, while hot-rolled flat products saw growth in both physical and value terms. The hollow profile segment remains under pressure. Stainless steel