The upward price trend in the Italian and European Union beams markets shows no sign of abating, even after a year and a half of uninterrupted increase - so say all the traders involved in the market.
On a European level, market demand - thanks to the support from Germany, Poland, Turkey and eastern European countries - is superior to supply, meaning that a growing shortage of beams is being observed. This is especially the case for profiles of low to medium sizes. In Italy also, apparent demand is registering high levels, with delivery times long and continuing to increase. The steel mills have received numerous orders. As for real demand, Italian traders report that in the last few weeks volumes have been registered which are in line with the historical average, while demand was very high in the first two months of the year.
Producers' warehouse stocks have been at very low levels for months now, while the stocks of traders are at their normal levels.
For the weeks ahead, those who were interviewed stated that they expected the trend which began at the end of 2005 to continue to characterize the beams markets across the world. In particular, with the closure of Arcelor Mittal's Differdange facility in Luxembourg for six weeks for revamping work, even further shortages of large-size beams may be seen. Quotations are expected to continue their upward march at least until July.