Flat steel prices have remained firm both in the European and in the Italian markets, mainly due to the scarce availability of import options. Domestic hot rolled coil (HRC) base prices in Italy are currently at €550-560/mt ($677-689/mt), while domestic cold rolled coil (CRC) and hot dip galvanized (HDG) coil quotations are respectively at €630-650/mt ($775-800/mt) and €640-650/mt ($787-800/mt), all ex-works. During the past two weeks, HRC and CRC prices in Italy have remained unchanged, while HDG prices have moved up slightly in the same period. According to market sources, domestic prices may increase in the coming period due to a foreseen increase in purchases by local distributors, who are currently low-stocked.
€1 = $1.23