Italy’s steel market struggled to gain traction in April, with weak demand and global tensions contributing to a cautious outlook. The Made in Steel trade fair in Milan failed to deliver a turning point for carbon flat steel service centers, as expectations for a market rebound remained unmet.
European mills continued to cut production while maintaining rigid commercial positions, adding to the uncertainty. Competitive pressure from Asian producers, driven by weak domestic demand and export challenges, further complicated the landscape.
The stainless steel sector also faced difficulties, with oversupply preventing any price recovery. Nickel volatility and declining stainless scrap prices added to market instability, while short delivery times reflected a shallow order book.
Despite these challenges, some industry players remain hopeful that regulatory updates in the second half of the year, along with greater clarity on the CBAM mechanism, could provide a turning point for the sector.
