Despite October proving to be a worse month than September in terms of sales volumes, French distributors say demand for their products generally remains at good levels. The new lockdown announced in France this week is not expected to reduce sales activity. The general outlook on future activity remains optimistic.
According to new lockdown rules, steel companies and building projects are allowed to continue to work. However, a slowdown may take place in the coil market as it is still unclear whether car dealers will be allowed to remain open.
Prices for reinforced concrete steel products are not seen decreasing in November and should remain stable in France at the current high levels. With no change from last week, distributors are selling rebar at €200-210/tonne ($234-246) base delivered. Including €260-270/t size extras, the latest finished delivered price for French rebar remains at €470-480/t on average. Prices from the country’s main producers remain at €160-170/t base ex-works, sources tell Kallanish.
The domestic market is not being disrupted by competitive imports, with Italian material not being offered in France at cheaper prices at present, Kallanish is told.
