Driven by the escalating tensions among Iran, the United States and Israel, coupled with the continuous surge in natural gas and power prices, prices in the Italian wire rod market have risen notably recently, with widespread market expectations of further room for price hikes.

According to local market sources, while demand for March delivery remains sluggish and no panic buying wave has emerged, wire rod producers have generally lifted their quotations or suspended order intake. Industry insiders note that beyond the direct impact of geopolitical conflicts on supply outlook, rising oil prices have simultaneously driven up freight costs, and even eroded the willingness of some hauliers to accept new orders.

On the pricing front, the latest transaction price of drawing wire rod hovers around 620 euros per ton on a delivered basis. Prior to the conflict escalation, suppliers’ target prices stood at 630–635 euros per ton; following the escalation, some small-scale buyers have accepted quotations of roughly 660 euros per ton. It is worth noting, however, that large buyers are generally staying on the sidelines for the time being and have not followed up with purchases.

In terms of inventory, local wire rod stock levels in Italy are not elevated, yet import supplies have not yet exerted a significant impact on market orderliness. Market analysts hold that imported resources will only regain price competitiveness and supplement domestic supply when prices across the EU stay high enough to reach a certain threshold.

Looking ahead in the short term, geopolitical risks and energy costs remain the key drivers shaping the price trajectory of Italian wire rod. Relevant fastener manufacturers should closely monitor the cost pass-through effect of upstream raw materials.