The Italian rebar producers have been pushing towards a base price level of €300/mt ($440/mt) - approx. €495/mt ($727/mt) ex-works, excluding VAT. It would be difficult to describe end-user rebar demand as being very strong. However, the rising raw material, semi-finished and import prices have been causing the Italian local rebar market to rise. The producers have indicated that they will hike the rebar extras in February. The expectation is for a hike of €20/mt ($29/mt); however, no official announcement has been made yet.
In the rebar export markets, the Italian mills have been pushing for €500/mt ($734/mt) FOB Italy, following the latest sales concluded at price levels of above €480/mt ($705/mt) FOB Italy.