Italian rebar prices are on the rise, with both producers’ asking prices and contracted levels increasing.
Steelmakers are now pushing for further hikes this week, following a sharp drop in both prices and volumes since May. Domestic producers are currently proposing an additional €30/tonne ($34) increase compared to mid-July quotations.
Compared to the initial round of increases in mid-July, when steelmakers were asking for around €270/t base ex-works, current offers have risen to €290/t base ex-works. This upward movement is driven by reduced availability of specific grades and rebar in coil, along with elevated production costs that continue to pressure mill margins.
Sellers are reporting some restocking activity as buyers replenish inventories ahead of the planned production stoppages in August. Most mills will be idled between 8-24 August, Kallanish notes.
Current base transaction levels for rebar now range from €250-270/t ex-works, reflecting an average increase of €30/t compared to the first half of July. Effective rebar prices, including size extras averaging €260-270/t, are reported at €510-540/t ex-works.
Domestic mesh prices are also trending up, averaging at €350-370/t ex-works, excluding transport and size extras which add approximately €300/t.
Natalia Capra France
