Italian heavy plate transaction prices are finally rising in December by €15-20/tonne ($17.7-23.6/t) compared to last month after a long period of stability and lower prices.  Values are now being pushed up by higher prices for imported slabs and the upward trend in raw material prices in both domestic and international markets, sources tell Kallanish.

In terms of demand from end-users and consequently from the distribution sector, November and December have been months of low sales and weak demand, sources suggest. Now, prices are seen increasing internationally in line with the higher slab offers. “This December uptick confirms that the price trend is increasing and will continue to do so in the first quarter of 2018”, a buyer comments.

Domestic plate prices are in the range €535-540/t ex-works, up from €520/t or lower seen in November. Producers are now also quoting for February delivery, sources reveal.