In the last two weeks, prices in the Italian flat steel market have almost remained stable. At present, hot rolled coil (HRC) base prices are standing at €460-465/mt ($612-619/mt) ex-works, while cold rolled coils (CRC) base prices are still at €540-545/mt ($718-725/mt). The hot dip galvanized (HDG) market is the most depressed of the markets for flat steel products in Italy, but prices have not descended below €500/mt ($665/mt).
Although producers have been able to indicate that prices are not falling any further, the market remains tense, mainly because of the abundance of available material and falling demand. For December and January, buyers have already purchased what they need, and so no one is taking the risk of placing orders for the long term, especially given the uncertainty that surrounds the downstream market.
Summing up, it is possible to say that although prices are stable some question marks still remain. Forecasts still lack optimism, especially in consideration of current economic problems.