The post-summer renewal of the Italian steel market is progressing slowly, with many executives extending their vacations due to the lack of activity. Distribution sources and agents anticipate an inevitable price decrease in September for most long and flat products.
The market remains subdued, with minimal activity reported in other European countries like France and Spain. Despite expectations of a rebound in Turkish scrap prices, the European market is bracing for imminent price reductions.
Italian distributors are purchasing only essential inventory to meet the reduced demand, with sectors like automotive components, metalworking, and agriculture remaining stagnant. Orders for September are limited, and prices have stayed steady since the end of July.
Buyers expect a decline in prices of all long products by approximately €20-30 per tonne in September, with a slow recovery anticipated next week.
