Italian long product prices are expected to remain stable in the coming months despite mills continuing to push for increases, Kallanish notes.
Following a brief improvement in demand, when major distributors secured volumes before Christmas stoppages, the market turned quiet. The increases sought by rebar and merchant bar producers have not translated into contracts, leaving overall price levels broadly unchanged.
January may bring some upward pressure linked to CBAM. European wire rod producers are attempting to lift prices but have met resistance so far. Italian wire rod values have risen by only about €10/tonne ($11.69/t) in recent weeks as competition from other European suppliers is keeping the market competitive.
Two agents report having had satisfactory business in 2025. Both report lower sales volumes and revenue for merchant bar, although these were offset by improvement in other products such as sections and wire rod derivatives, which saw higher volumes overall.
Merchant bar remains at €250-260/t base delivered, stable compared to early December, equivalent to €670-680/t delivered including size extras. Drawing-quality wire rod prices are at around €580/t delivered, while imported material from other European countries is at about €15/t lower.
Sections prices are showing little movement compared to early December despite the €20-30/t increases implemented by European producers. First category sections remain at roughly €730/t delivered, with asking prices at around €750/t base delivered.
Italian rebar is beginning to soften as demand eases ahead of Christmas. Prices now stand at €280-290/t base ex works, equating to €550-560/t including size extras.
