Some Italian rebar makers seek increases

Italian rebar makers are seeking price increases this week. Some have stopped sales and are not quoting, while others are becoming stiff in negotiations and refuse to go below a certain level, market sources tell Kallanish.

Two mills have stopped quoting. Before halting sales, they were asking for up to €550/tonne ($581) base ex-works. One larger mill is quoting at €530/t base ex-works and refusing orders below this level. Some improvement in demand is reported in December.

This week, all steelmakers are expected to increase their prices by some €30-50/t but buyers doubt any significant hike will be successful in this economic climate. Contract values remain stable in the range of €500-520/t base ex-works. Including size extras, domestic rebar prices have flattened at €760-790/t ex-works. Mesh is at €610-620/t ex-works base, sources suggest.

Rebar makers are said to be planning to continue producing until 22 or 23 December. They will then implement maintenance stoppages and resume producing on 9 January, Kallanish hears.

Natalia Capra France