Although end-user demand in the local Italian flats market is currently at low levels, there have still been some price increases against the background of the price uptrend in the international market, and due to low inventories and low capacity utilization rates in the domestic market.
At present, flats mills in Italy have low inventory levels and new orders delivery is planned for September or, in some cases, October.
As regards prices, SteelOrbis has learned that the 2 mm HRC base price stands at €365-380/mt ex-mill, while for HDG and CRC the range is €420-430mt ex-mill. Main customers can obtain the lower end of the price ranges, but the mills are determined not to allow lower prices. It is reported that service centers are experiencing some difficulties in passing this price increase on to their customers.
On the import side, there is still a very low level of activity due to long delivery terms and higher prices. The average price level for imported HRC is €390-400/mt CIF for November delivery.