Italian HRC Prices Rise

Italian domestic hot-rolled steel supplies are finally on the rise as producers aim for a price increase of € 20 /t ($ 22 /t) from the beginning of the month, market sources said.

While the market has been particularly slow, buyers are now experiencing some pressure from less availability. ArcelorMittal Italia is said to have problems delivering orders. Service centers that are not supplied with materials from the former Ylva now have no inventory and are trying to find alternative suppliers. What's more, service centers ordered small quantities last month as they continued to shrink in inventory due to uncertainty.

Domestic prices currently range from 390 to 400 euros per tonne from the plant. While international prices for HRC are rising, Italian producers are asking between 400 and 420 euros per tonne of rolled metal from the mill. Sources say it is expected to reach 420 euros per tonne from the plant in December.