French rebar deal values are stable on-week but have increased on-month by about €30/tonne ($32). This follows the price hike move by some European producers in October.
The contracts implemented continue to be only for small volumes as consumption from the construction sector remains slow. Stocks at both producers, distributors and end-users remain relatively low. This is however not pushing buyers to commit to high-volume purchases.
Like last month, there is no visibility and sales are being made on a day-to-day basis. Despite the slow activity, however, distributors who spoke to Kallanish say they had a rather acceptable month in October and do not report any presence of lower-priced Spanish or Italian material. Producers in these countries are also pushing up their prices.
Sources do not forecast any significant consumption changes in the first quarter next year and see the market continuing on its current trajectory.
French rebar prices are hovering at €600-610/t delivered on average, sources suggest.
Natalia Capra France