The barometer of the Italian merchant bar market is indicating stability, with traders reporting a calm period as regards market quotations.
At present, real demand for merchant bars doesn't appear particularly lively in Italy. The volumes sold by traders to end-users are in line with the seasonal norms or just slightly inferior. A better overall situation is evident elsewhere in the European Union where consumption is livelier. As regards apparent demand, the situation in Italy is normal, while that in other European countries is showing more activity.
For the near future, both producers and traders expect quotations to remain on a stable trend. The high prices of raw materials, as well as the positive trend in sales and demand at a continental level, are not thought likely to shake up the market in the short term.
According to the reference base prices issued on May 7 by the Brescia Chamber of Commerce price commission, merchant bars of 10-59 mm size are in a range of €340-350/mt while 60-150 mm sizes range between €370-380/mt - showing no change from two weeks ago.