Italian rebar producers are once again raising prices this week, by €20-30/tonne ($20.5-30.8), following the successful increase implemented in December, Kallanish notes.

Multiple mill sources confirm they are currently requesting €350-360/t and anticipate that contract prices will persist in rising throughout January. Nonetheless, sellers indicate that there is no urgency for purchases this month. The current market environment is characterised by significant uncertainty, amid a gradual and sluggish resumption of activity following the year-end holiday period.

Sales are still occurring at December pricing levels and for limited tonnages. A buyer reports acquiring several truckloads at a base price of €330/t ex-works, which should sustain his inventory levels through the end of the month. Another has bought material at €320/t, while a third buyers booked low volumes at €340/t base ex-works.

Mill quotes of €350-360/t are being rejected at this time. A source indicates he will refrain from ordering any material at increased prices. Current transactions remain in line with last week after increasing on-month by an average of €25/t. They now range from €320-340/t base ex-works. Effective prices, including size extras, are at €580-600/t.

Domestic mesh contracts are also at €420-430/t, excluding transportation costs – size extras are an additional €300/t, sources suggest.