With the summer hiatus coming up, domestic rebar prices remained virtually stable in the Italian market in the past week. Transaction prices have been mostly at around €390/mt ex-works in the local market. Demand and supply were substantially balanced in the past few weeks, although trading activity has started to slow down more recently due to the upcoming summer vacation season. The same situation applies to the local wire rod market, where drawing quality wire rod (SAE1006) prices are still mostly at €425-435/mt delivered to customer. However, according to sources, the local producer dominating the market has increased its offers to €440/mt delivered in the past week. All in all, no major changes are expected in the next month due to the summer holiday slowdown, while long steel prices may inch up further in September with the resumption of activities.