Italian sections prices rise

Italian beam producers are seeking €40/tonne ($48) hikes compared to April, while contract prices are gradually increasing, driven by scrap and strong demand for all steel products, Kallanish learns from market sources.

Domestic sections are rising after a difficult second half of 2020 when demand remained weak due to the lack of new infrastructure projects. Producers are now asking for €380/t base ex-works in new transactions. A previous round of increases towards the end of April was accepted by all buyers, sales executives and purchasing groups confirm.

Transactions this week are at €360-375/t base ex-works for the first category of beams. Including €385/t average size extras, values are reaching €745-760/t ex-works. Prices increase by €20/t for each subsequent category, sources suggest. Buyers however still complain about local demand being “average”.

Meanwhile, Italian merchant bar is also increasing in asking prices and contracts this month, by €30/t. May contracts have gone through the level of €700/t for the first time in years (see Kallanish 5 May).

Natalia Capra France