Italian sections prices flatten

Italian beam and merchant bar prices are stable compared to the beginning of November, despite some increases implemented by producers this month on high scrap prices and energy costs.

Demand for sections remains unreliable, with purchasing groups and large distributors unwilling to commit to high volumes. Some have replenished their stocks for the end of the financial year, but the sector is refusing the increases and blaming unreliable demand, particularly for merchant bar.

Market sources say domestic merchant bar is trading at €460-480/tonne ($520-543) base ex-works, while producers are now asking for €490-495/t base ex-works. Including €420/t average size extras, local material is at €890-900/t ex-works, sources suggest.

Beam values remain at €570-590/t base ex-works, with producers asking for €600/t base. Due to uncertainty, some service centres are implementing low prices and intend to sell as much as possible before the Christmas holiday. Including €380-390/t average size extras, the first category of domestic beams is at €960-990/t ex-works. Prices increase by €20/t for each subsequent category, Kallanish hears.

Natalia Capra France