In the first half of the year, Italian steel distributors experienced a significant decline in sales, with a year-on-year reduction of 15%. This decrease is attributed to a combination of factors, including lower demand from key sectors and economic uncertainties. The reduction in sales highlights the challenges faced by the steel industry in Italy, as distributors navigate a complex market environment. Despite these challenges, industry players are hopeful for a recovery in the latter half of the year as market conditions stabilize.