French long steel prices for deliveries scheduled in December and January are rising notably. Mills are increasing quotes for nearly all products by €20 per tonne, effective immediately. This move is driven by elevated production costs, high energy prices, and compressed margins.
Despite stable transaction prices, moderate increases are anticipated this week. Construction firms and purchasing groups indicate that demand remains persistently low. November saw a significant decline in sales, and projections suggest December may reflect similar underperformance. No restocking has occurred ahead of the winter holiday period.
Distributors report back-to-back business with little visibility and no signs of recovery in the construction sector. However, there is some demand from infrastructure projects in major urban areas. Domestic rebar deals are closing at an average of €600 per tonne delivered, with new asking prices for December delivery rising to €620 per tonne. Market participants are reluctant to accept price increases, questioning their sustainability.