Italian flat steel producers are still pushing for higher prices, just like flat product producers in Europe in general. At present, Italian flat steel producers’ domestic market prices are slightly higher compared to ten days ago, standing at €290-300/mt ($322-333/mt) for hot rolled coil (HRC), €380-385/mt ($422-428/mt) for cold rolled coil (CRC) and at €365-370/mt ($406-411/mt) for hot dip galvanized (HDG), all ex-works. Market sources indicate an improvement in order books for HDG. In the meantime, the overall volume of trade in the Italian domestic flat steel market is very low, while there are no changes in downstream prices. Competition remains strong because of extremely weak demand. According to sources, in the absence of an improvement in demand, it will be very difficult for Italian flat steel producers to gain acceptance for their price increases.
€1 = $1.11