Local Italian scrap prices still strong

Scrap prices are still strong in the Italian domestic market. Although they have remained mostly stable in recent weeks, most market sources believe they could rise further before the start of Christmas holidays. Factors supporting scrap prices are its low availability after the strong declines of September-October and the low levels of raw material stocks at domestic mills.

Scrap demand is strong especially from long steel producers that have recently been successful in obtaining orders in the export markets. Demand is lower from specialty steel and flat steel producers, as some of them have even announced production stoppages for the coming weeks. Finally, Italian scrap prices are also supported by strong scrap prices in France, Germany and Turkey, market sources have underlined.

Average spot prices in the local Italian scrap market are as follows:

Prices include delivery and exclude VAT.