THE BLOG
March 3, 2025
South Africa's steel industry, once a cornerstone of its industrial economy, is facing unprecedented challenges as it strives to preserve its historic steel mills established during the apartheid era. The potential closure of these century-old plants threatens to undermine the nation's manufacturing sector and exacerbate unemployment rates in an already strained economy.
March 2, 2025
Since the beginning of 2025, hot-rolled coil (HRC) prices have experienced significant increases across multiple global markets. This price surge has been driven by a combination of rising raw material costs, increasing demand in key industries, supply chain constraints, and protectionist trade policies.
Major steel manufacturers, including Nucor in the U.S., have responded to market conditions by implementing multiple price hikes, further fueling the trend. In Vietnam, China, Europe, and the U.S., steel prices continue their upward trajectory, impacting construction, automotive, and manufacturing sectors worldwide.
March 1, 2025
Vietnam has officially imposed temporary anti-dumping tariffs on hot-rolled coil (HRC) steel imports from China, marking a decisive move to protect its domestic steel industry. With tariffs ranging from 19.38% to 27.83%, this policy aims to reduce unfair competition, boost local production, and stabilize steel prices.
As China continues to flood global markets with excess steel, countries like South Korea, India, and Brazil have introduced similar trade barriers. Vietnam, being the largest buyer of Chinese steel outside China, now joins the growing list of nations pushing back against the global steel glut.
This move is expected to benefit local producers like Hoa Phat Group and Formosa Ha Tinh Steel, while companies reliant on imported HRC may face rising costs. The impact on steel prices, Vietnam’s construction sector, and international trade relations remains a key focus as the 120-day tariff period unfolds.
February 24, 2025
The global rebar market has started 2025 with a strong upward trend, with prices increasing in most regions due to rising production costs, supply chain disruptions, and recovering steel demand.
Since the beginning of the year, rebar prices have surged in key markets such as Europe, the U.S., and Asia, driven by higher raw material costs, increased scrap prices, and positive momentum in construction activity. At the same time, China has seen a mixed trend, with prices fluctuating due to weak domestic demand and government interventions in the steel industry.
As global demand for rebar continues to rise, this article explores key market developments, factors influencing price movements, and forecasts for the coming months.
February 23, 2025
The global steel industry has witnessed a positive shift in early 2025, with scrap metal prices recovering by 1.5-2% since the beginning of the year. This increase is largely driven by improved demand, supply chain adjustments, and fluctuating economic conditions worldwide. The scrap metal market plays a critical role in steel production, influencing raw material costs and overall industry profitability.
This article explores the key factors behind the recent price recovery, regional market trends, and what industry players can expect in the coming months.
February 22, 2025
The steel industry has long been one of Ukraine's economic cornerstones, representing a significant contributor to the country's GDP and export revenues. However, the year 2024 presented new challenges and milestones for this critical sector. Despite some growth, the consumption of rolled steel in Ukraine slowed to a modest 10% compared to previous years. This blog explores the factors influencing this deceleration, the transformation of Ukraine's war-torn steel industry, and forecasts for 2025, while highlighting the global importance of Ukraine's steel production.