Italian tube prices are showing signs of falling back after recent increases, with some producers reverting to old price lists, distribution sources tell Kallanish. Meanwhile, tube prices in France and Spain are stable and expected to increase during the first ten days of September.  

Thanks to the pre-holiday price increase, Italian re-rollers managed to earn on average €30/tonne more with the new price lists. The price increases that were successfully passed on to the distribution sector in late June held until the beginning of August. However, prices are now beginning to slide due to low demand, delayed payments and falling hot rolled coil quotations, sources say.

A few producers are still using the higher price lists, but increasing the discount they give. This is resulting in quotations at pre-holiday price levels. Smaller re-rollers are using the old price lists, sources comment.