The Italian steel heavy plate market has entered a quiet period, with prices remaining stable to slightly stronger. Despite slow demand, there are cautious hopes for a price rebound in the first quarter of 2025. Trading activity picked up slightly as buyers finalized their bookings for the first quarter, but overall, orders were 20-40% lower compared to the same period last year.

Producers are targeting offers of €650 per tonne ex-works for the first quarter, with some success in securing higher prices for project business. However, the spot market remains weak, with tradeable prices estimated at no higher than €630 per tonne ex-works. Deals were reported at €630-640 per tonne during the assessment week.

Domestic suppliers are taking prolonged production stoppages in December and January, hoping to balance the market and achieve higher prices in the new year. The European Commission’s recent announcement of a safeguards review has also sparked cautious optimism among sellers, potentially supporting a rebound in European prices in the medium to long term.