The Italian scrap market in April is characterized by stability. Sources within the market report that there is currently a good balance between supply and demand, with quotation levels remaining unchanged.
Demand for scrap in the Italian market is continuing at strong levels, driven by the positive trends in the production of finished products. The steel mills are working at full steam and are managing their supplies intelligently. Overseas arrivals of scrap are good while the mills' scrap stores are full.
Looking at the situation elsewhere in continental Europe, substantial stability is also observed in France and Germany.
US dollar-based international transactions have seen a slight fall off in quotation levels. However, an increase may again be observed when the Turks recommence their purchases, probably towards the end of April.
As regards the near future, the market players who were interviewed predicted that the market will remain in equilibrium until the end of May, with continued stability also expected in prices.