According to sources, prices in the local Italian flat steel market have remained firm. Over the past week, domestic flat steel prices in the local Italian market have moved sideways at €540-570/mt ($584-616/mt) for hot rolled coil (HRC), €650-680/mt ($702-735/mt) for cold rolled coil (CRC) and at €630-670/mt ($681-724/mt) for hot dip galvanized (HDG) coils, all ex-works. As reported previously, the prices at the lower end of the above ranges are those offered by southern European producers, while the prices at the higher ends of the ranges are offered by northern European producers.
European producers have no intention of reducing their prices as their order books are full and as import offers are scarce and uncompetitive. Indeed, they are likely to increase their prices further in the coming period. Sources say the current market situation should last at least until the end of the first quarter.
€1 = $1.08