In the last 20 days, the Italian merchant bar market was witnessed minor increases of around €15-20/mt ($20-26/mt), while demand has remained low amid scarce consumption. Market operators consulted by SteelOrbis state that current price adjustments do not affect demand, while the recent price increases have mainly targeted a partial recovery in profit margins.
The local merchant bar market is facing the same problems as the overall Italian steel industry, such as lack of investment, the effects of the ongoing political stalemate and delayed payments.
€1 = $1.31