Italian merchant bar prices have remained stable over the past week, with sales failing to pick up in July following a lack of demand in the first half of the year. Reports from various buyers and sellers indicate that the consumption crisis in Europe has become a long-term structural issue.
The current range for domestic merchant bar is between €280-320 per tonne delivered. Achieving the peak of this range has been rare, with only one truckload reaching this price in recent days. Material from other EU countries is priced approximately €20 per tonne lower. Prices are fluctuating around €700-740 per tonne, including size extras.
Despite the overall quiet market, sales volumes for products derived from wire rod have shown consistent strength throughout July and the first seven months of the year. Agents selling various long products have reported satisfactory sales volumes due to the high-added-value products derived from wire rod. Additionally, demand for other long products like beams has been better, contributing to average sales for some distributors.
Sections producers, including ArcelorMittal, have raised prices by €20 per tonne for July contracts. Beams supply remains extremely limited in Italy, with stronger demand compared to other long products. Prices for beams are currently around €770-790 per tonne delivered, including the recent price increase. Some sellers agree that this price is effective but believe it needs to be consolidated.
