Italian heavy plate prices have decreased since mid-June on persistent weak demand, Kallanish hears.
Producers remain unconcerned, anticipating an inevitable price recovery driven by slab-related CBAM costs and the new safeguard measures.
Meanwhile, distributors see no short-term pickup, considering the low downstream order volumes. They expect demand to recover in September, with some activity possible in July ahead of the August shutdown.
Sources do not see prices increasing, however, until at least September. Producer sources expect some consumption to resume in July.
Trading and distribution sources as well as mills describe the market as stagnant and uneventful.
Mills are slowly filling July order books. Ex-works prices for S275 grade currently at €720/tonne ($825.1/t), down around €20/t compared to mid-June. Asian slab prices are stable at $600/t cfr Italy, with some €30/t less for larger volumes, sources say.
Author: Natalia Capra
