The Italian rebar market is currently experiencing a phase of stagnation. The latest price increases proposed by producers have not yet been fully accepted by buyers. Several sources have reported that producers have kept their offers unchanged, while demand continues to be weak.
Local rebar offers in Italy have been steady at €360/mt ex-works base (€625/mt ex-works including regular extras), unchanged from last week, but many customers prefer to wait. Italian wire rod has also been reported stable at €645-655/mt delivered for drawing quality and €625-635/mt delivered for mesh quality. According to some sources, however, producers are attempting to increase these wire rod offers as well, but further details will be seen next week.
Regarding exports from Italy, the situation is “patchy,” as usual, with some areas responding better than others; the German market remains difficult, while Eastern Europe is more responsive. Ex-Italy rebar has been reported at €580/mt FOB for sea shipments and €560-580/mt ex-works for truck deliveries.
This phase of impasse, with recent price increases failing to stimulate both domestic and foreign demand, might only change in the coming months with the expected and hoped-for signs of recovery from suppliers.