The Italian steel industry is ready to restart and in the past few days some companies have returned to work despite the ongoing restrictions due to the coronavirus emergency, albeit with reduced operations and a lower number of workers than normal.
In addition to ArcelorMittal Italia, Arvedi and Marcegaglia - which have never completely halted production - several companies have resumed their activities recently. In fact, they presented requests to the regional prefects for derogations from the restrictions introduced in recent weeks through a series of decrees by the Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte, claiming that they form part of the chain of essential activities, or that they have plants that cannot be stopped, or that they carry out an activity of national strategic relevance. The prefects would be required to actually block the possible continuation of companies’ activities, otherwise the companies will have clearance for the continuation of their operations.
SteelOrbis has learned that Acciaierie Venete and AFV Beltrame Group are among the companies that have resumed both production and deliveries in the past week. IRO was already performing deliveries and has applied to the regional prefect in order to resume production. Pittini Group has resumed production since April 3. Albeit with reduced operations, steelmakers Duferdofin-Nucor, Acciai Speciali Terni, Lucchini RS and Feralpi Group have restarted their operations. The latter has indicated that its goal is to reach 50 percent capacity utilization by next week.
Meanwhile, expectations are growing for a new government decree which should prepare the way for the so-called "phase 2" by easing the lockdown and allowing several supply chains to reopen their factories and some shops to resume operations, although in compliance with the appropriate measures to prevent the spread of the virus. Public investment is also expected to revive with the reopening of construction sites for bridges and roads.