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
