The Italian beams market has been characterized by a stable price trend at the start of June, with traders in the market reporting no changes in quotation levels.
In terms of real demand, in April and May traders experienced a reduction in sales volumes in the internal market. This drop was due in part to the various holidays during the period in question. Apparent demand as experienced by Italian steel producers remains at previous levels.
As has been the case for several months now, supply continues to be inferior to demand. The European market, especially in the north and northeast of the continent, still sees end-user demand outweighing the steel production capacity of the mills. This is true in particular as regards beams of large dimensions. The gap between supply and demand for these products is also wide on account of the works being carried out at a number of ArcelorMittal facilities.
This positive period for beams thus seems destined to continue for another while. The most recent announcements of ArcelorMittal and Corus would seem to confirm this forecast - both producers upping beams prices by €20/mt from July 1.