In the United States, buyers of stainless steel are purchasing minimal quantities, at present. Companies are reluctant to commit to new forward orders because of the uncertain economic environment caused…
Global Stainless Steel Market Faces Protracted Recovery from Covid-19
Stainless steel purchasing activity remained at a fairly high level during the first quarter of 2020, as customers continued work on ongoing projects, or took delivery of material from existing…
Polish Steel Demand Mixed as Prices Decline
MEPS recorded a decrease in the price of steel products across the board in Poland, this month. Nonetheless, discounts from the mills did little to prompt an uptick in buying…
Brazilian Flat Product Prices Stabilise, while Mexican Values Fall
In Brazil, prices of coil and plate are relatively steady, amid reduced purchasing from distributors and depressed end-user consumption. A number of observers express concern regarding the government’s handling of…
US Steelmakers Announce Second Round of Price Hikes, But Will They Stick?
US steel producers increased their list prices, in the past few days. This follows an initial announcement, in late April/early May, when domestic mills attempted to draw a line in…
World Crude Steel Production Slumps by 13% in April
World crude steel production is estimated to have fallen by 13.0 percent, year-on-year, to 131.1 million tonnes in April, according to a recent release by the World Steel Association (worldsteel)….
Southern European Prices Fall as Lockdown Eases
Spanish society is slowly adapting to the relaxation of some anti-coronavirus measures. Many steel distributors are back at work, selling mainly to industrial clients rather than the auto sector. Domestic vehicle…
Northern European Longs Prices Under Pressure as Southern Mills Resume Production
Long steel product mills, in Spain and Italy, have resumed operations but demand, in their home markets, is poor. Consequently, as they seek new markets, selling values are expected to…
Nordic Flat Steel Demand Weakens as EC Mulls Quota Cuts
Purchasing activity remained at a high level, in northern Europe, into April. However, a decline has been observed, in recent weeks. Despite production cuts, by regional steelmakers, the reduction in…
Activity Returns to the UK Steel Market
In the UK, demand is weak, compared with previous expectations, but increased activity was noticeable, in recent weeks. Several service centres continued to operate, throughout the lockdown period, with reduced…