Due to the scarcity of metal ore and hydrocarbon resources in this country, Italy imports most of its raw materials from other countries.

This led to the crisis that became serious in 2004 and was characterized by a sharp increase in the prices of ferrous materials, as well as higher prices for plastic materials related to the rising oil prices, which is creating major difficulties for industry in Italy and elsewhere in the world.

The higher costs of iron and steel, and the scarcity of steel products on international markets due to the enormous demand coming mainly from China, but in general from throughout the Far East, have led to higher costs in the sector of machinery and equipment in the farming and earth moving sectors, where metal parts are predominant.

The purpose of this Desk is to provide updated information and prompt news on the situation, but above all to promote processes of evaluation of the effective needs of raw materials by the members, in order to determine the annual total procurement requisites.

The Raw Materials Desk operates at the Rome offices.