Italy in the first half of the year reduced steel imports from third countries by 15.8% y/y

According to the results of January-June 2023, Italy reduced steel imports from third countries by 15.8% compared to the same period in 2022, to 5.19 million tons. This is evidenced by the data of the Italian association of steel producers Federacciai, reports Steel Orbis.

Export of steel by Italian steelmakers to third countries in the first half of the year increased by 5.5% compared to January-June 2022, to 1.71 million tons.

“Steel trade between Italy and non-EU countries in January-June of this year continued the previous trends: imports decreased, but exports increased,” the association notes.

Imports of long products over this period decreased by 4.3% y/y, to 337 thousand tons, and flat steel – by 19.5% y/y, to 3.12 million tons. Imports of rebar increased by 120 % y/y, and bar by 100% y/y. Consumption of imported hot-rolled coil fell by 54.7% y/y, hot-dip galvanized sheet – by 38% y/y.

Export of long products increased by 20.9% y/y, to 393 thousand tons, flat products – by 2.7% y/y, to 426 thousand tons. Coil shipments decreased by 57.5% y/y, and coated sheets – by 33.3% y/y, rebar – increased by 37.5% y/y.

Imports of semi-finished products to Italy in January-June 2023 amounted to 1.4 million tons, which is 14.2% less compared to the same period in 2022. Exports of related products grew by 41.5% y/y to 116,000 tons.

As GMK Center reported, metallurgical enterprises of Italy in January-June 2023, steel production decreased by 6.6% compared to the same period in 2022, to 11.44 million tons. In June, steel production decreased by 0.7% compared to June 2022 and by 4.4% compared to May – up to 1.91 million tons.