Italian rebar prices fluctuate on poor activity

Italian rebar prices are fluctuating by €10/tonne ($10.90/t) each week despite a period of general stability as producers fail to secure increases, according to buyers and sellers who spoke to Kallanish.

The low point of the range from has decreased from last week, but the level of orders is reported to be stable in comparison to September.

According to an agent, “activity remains subdued; customers do not intend to commit to volumes in this market and continue to purchase a few hundred tonnes per week.”

Values have remained relatively consistent in recent weeks, despite distributors’ predictions of an additional price decline in the weeks ahead.

Current transactions in the domestic market are at approximately €270-290/t base ex-works.

A buyer reports purchasing about 500 tonnes/week.

Another large distributor says buyers are not adopting a wait-and-see attitude but continue to purchase the necessary tonnage two to three times a month.

Including additional size extras at an average cost of €260/t, current values in Italy are hovering this week at €530-560/t ex-works.

The current price for domestic mesh stands at approximately €380-390/t, not accounting for transport costs. An extra fee of €300/t applies for size extras, sources suggest.

Natalia Capra France

kallanish.com