Italian plate mills are pushing up values by around €30/tonne ($32) compared to December, as expected, for material to be delivered in February. The month started slowly but demand is now picking up, sources tell Kallanish.
In the fourth quarter last year, mills are reported to have sold “significant quantities” and continue to report strong order books. 2024 is forecast to be a positive year thanks to the several infrastructure projects financed by the EU’s post-pandemic recovery fund that are seen starting this year. Mill sources say they achieved good results for 2023 despite some slower quarters.
Contract prices for S275 grade plate are now fetching between €750-760/t delivered, while S355 is transacted at €20/t higher, sources say. New prices are at €780/t for S275 and €830/t for S355.
Slab import prices are at $650/t cfr Italy on average, with Asian producers asking for increasing values of up to $700/t cfr.
Natalia Capra France
