The situation in the Italian flat steel market appears far from bright. According to the latest figures, the base prices of hot rolled coils (HRC) and hot dip galvanized (HDG) coils have decreased slightly compared to about 10 days ago, standing respectively at €510-520/mt ($652-665/mt) and €565-570/mt ($723-729/mt). Meanwhile, cold rolled coil (CRC) base prices have remained unchanged at €590-600/mt ($755-767/mt). All the above prices are ex-works.
Local demand for flat steel remains weak and service centers continue to lament the absence of profit margins. Traders consulted by SteelOrbis say it is difficult to foresee improvements in the medium term, and even harder to predict improvements in the short term. In the face of low demand and considerable uncertainty, compounded by economic difficulties at both global and national level, service centers are maintaining low inventories, keeping just enough to cover about two months.
Meanwhile, import activities remain quiet. The coils offered by foreign suppliers are still not very affordable (especially in light of the recent appreciation of the dollar against the euro) and there is a scarcity of available material at the ports.
€1 = $1.279