[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] Italian Steel Market Remains Weak in February; CBAM and Supply Constraints Push Up SS Prices

Published: Mar 12, 2026 17:46

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According to Assofermet, the Italian steel market remained weak in February amid widespread caution along the supply chain and mounting regulatory uncertainties. In the stainless steel segment, selling prices saw a further increase—rising by 10% since November 2025—but this was driven primarily by supply constraints rather than any real recovery in stagnant downstream consumption. The broader market is heavily weighed down by the application of default values for CBAM calculations and new EU safeguard measures, which are structurally increasing the cost of imported steel. Coupled with macroeconomic weakness in Germany and France, and escalating Middle East geopolitical tensions pushing up energy and transport risks, market sentiment remains highly cautious.

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