Italian construction output declines

In May Italian construction output fell by -0.1% month-on-month, representing the third consecutive sequential decline, according to a report by the country’s National Institute of Statistics (Istat) monitored by Kallanish.

In March-May 2019 output was, however, up by 0.1% compared to the previous three months.

The year-on-year calendar adjusted series increased by 2%. When compared with May 2018, the monthly unadjusted index of production in construction rose by 2%, Istat reveals.

Italian rebar and sections prices and domestic demand are still stagnating. Domestic prices for rebar start at €450/tonne ($503/t) ex-works and remain, like last month, the lowest in central and western Europe, Kallanish notes.