Assofermet, the association representing Italian distributors of scrap, raw materials and steel products, has published its monthly note on raw materials for the steel industry. According to its statement, June saw a generally sluggish situation in the local Italian market. Purchases from mills and foundries were on the low side, as well as prices, against the backdrop of production halts programmed for the summer.
In the given month, prices fell by 5-10 €/mt and decreased by a further €20/mt at the beginning of July. Nonetheless, scrap availability remains limited but enough to satisfy the slow demand.
Activity in the European scrap market remained quiet, partly because of the adjustment of safeguard measures, which produced a hike in Turkish offers amounting to $5-7/mt at the end of June, and partly because of price stability and scarce demand. India, on the other hand, saw a slight increase due to rising freight rates from the US and Australia.
As for stainless scrap, prices were still down year on year compared to June 2023. Finally, pig iron prices were stable in June, because purchases were on the low side, just like for scrap, in spite of decent availability. Prices in Europe and Asia are similar, whereas pig iron prices are falling in the US amid a price drop from Brazilian suppliers.