THE BLOG
May 19, 2025
As the world races toward net-zero targets, the steel industry—one of the largest industrial emitters of CO2—finds itself under intense pressure to decarbonize. While “green steel” promises a sustainable future using hydrogen, scrap recycling, and renewable energy, the harsh reality paints a different picture. From high production costs and limited infrastructure to regulatory gaps and supply chain challenges, the road to decarbonization is riddled with obstacles. This article explores the clash between ambition and implementation, uncovering what’s really holding the industry back—and what needs to change for green steel to move from theory to global standard.
May 15, 2025
Malaysia’s imposition of a 37.4% anti-dumping duty on Indonesian PET imports has triggered strong reactions from Jakarta, which is now weighing legal action at the WTO. While Malaysia defends the move as a safeguard for local manufacturers, the decision could strain ASEAN trade unity and disrupt the regional plastics and packaging industry.
May 13, 2025
China’s steel industry, long hailed as the engine of global steel production, is now grappling with the consequences of unchecked growth. The Hidden Cost of China’s Steel Dominance: Overproduction, Trade Tensions, Decline in Consumption & Export Reliance — this unfolding story highlights how the country’s relentless capacity expansion has led to a perfect storm. From 2021 to 2025, overproduction has collided with a shrinking domestic market, pushing steelmakers to flood foreign markets with low-cost exports. As global trade tensions escalate and protective tariffs rise, the industry faces tightening margins and deep structural challenges. This article explores how government policy shifts, economic headwinds, and international pressure are reshaping the trajectory of Chinese steel — with rippling effects across the global economy.
May 11, 2025
As Ukraine continues to defend its sovereignty, businesses are stepping up to confront a new, critical mission: reintegrating veterans into society and the workforce. With 1.2 million veterans currently registered—and forecasts by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs predicting a rise to 5–6 million when including families after the war—corporate veteran support has become not just necessary, but integral to business operations.
Among the most committed are Ukraine’s leading iron and steel companies—Metinvest, Ferrexpo, Interpipe, and ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih—which have collectively mobilized thousands of employees and are now actively supporting their return.
May 9, 2025
As 2025 unfolds, the Turkish steel industry finds itself caught in a delicate balance between rising demand and systemic strain. Although hopes remain high for a continued recovery, a mix of global trade challenges, quality concerns, and uneven domestic production presents obstacles that ripple through international markets — especially for steel-consuming sectors like automotive and construction.
At Lux Metal, we monitor these developments closely to ensure our clients across Malaysia and Southeast Asia are always ahead in sourcing quality materials, especially in times of global supply uncertainty.
May 5, 2025
In a rapidly shifting global metals market, aluminum premiums have surged to record highs, with new U.S. tariffs disrupting trade flows and driving up domestic prices. This shockwave isn't just another blip in the commodity charts — it has far-reaching implications for industries across the globe, including construction, manufacturing, aerospace, packaging, and transport.
But what exactly is driving this sudden price hike, and what does it tell us about the future of aluminum in the world economy?