Italian sections producers and their distribution branches are stopping sales this week, in line with other long products makers in Italy (see separate article). Sources believe steelmakers will return to quoting from 10 January after the Christmas holiday break, Kallanish hears.
The leading producer in the market is also idling production for three weeks starting this week.
Prices for the first category of sections remain stable compared to the beginning of the month in a market that seems to be already on holiday. Large service centres have this week continued to implement high discounts to get rid of stock. December purchases by distributors of long products are said to have been rather weak.
Prices for the first category of beam remain at €570-580/tonne ($642-653) base ex-works. Including €380-390/t average size extras, domestic beams start at €950-960/t ex-works. Values increase by €20/t for each subsequent category, sources suggest.
Meanwhile, merchant bar prices also remain stable at €470-500/t base ex-works. Including size extras, values stand at €890-910/t ex-works.
Natalia Capra France
