Declining Prices Challenge India's Steel Market Outlook

Declining steel prices challenge India’s market outlook as high demand and supply issues initially drove up prices. Now, decreased demand, overproduction, and shifting global trade dynamics are causing prices to plummet. Indian steel producers face tighter margins, increased competition, and a strained export strategy. Stability and profitability are at risk.

Price

  • The flat steel markets have reported few price changes in Hot Rolled Coil (HRC) compared to the previous day in southern geographical locations. The prices of flat products in various markets are as follows:
  • The HRC offers are below:
  • Ex-NCR/Delhi: Rs. 53,800/ton
  • Ex-Mumbai: Rs. 53,800/ton
  • Ex-Ahmedabad: Rs. 54,300/ton
  • Ex-Chennai: Rs. 55,000/ton
  • Ex-Kolkata: Rs. 53,000/ton
  • Ex-Hyderabad: Rs. 53,000/ton
  • The CRC offers are below:
  • Ex-NCR/Delhi: Rs. 62,000/ton
  • Ex-Mumbai: Rs. 64,500/ton
  • Ex-Ahmedabad: Rs. 64,500/ton
  • Ex-Chennai: Rs. 66,500/ton
  • Ex-Kolkata: Rs. 61,000/ton
  • Ex-Hyderabad: Rs. 63,000/ton
  • PM Plates prices for Delhi NCR stand at around Rs. 59,500/ton and Rs. 58,700/ton for Mumbai on an ex-works basis, respectively.

Demand and Supply

  • A resurgence in demand, especially from the construction and infrastructure sectors, is essential for rejuvenating the steel market. However, the timing of this recovery remains uncertain. The weakening demand in major end-use sectors, notably construction and automotive, has led to a significant drop in Hot Rolled (HR) plate demand—a key raw material for fabrication and construction projects. As a result, the domestic market for Hot Rolled Coil (HRC) in India is facing a decline.

News

  • Crashing steel prices pose a challenging outlook for India. Initially driven up by high demand and supply issues, prices are now plunging due to decreased demand, overproduction, and shifting global trade dynamics. Indian steel producers face tighter profit margins and increased competition in international markets. This price drop strains domestic producers and complicates the country's export strategy. The industry must navigate these changes to maintain stability and profitability.

Expert’s Opinion

  • The typical price premium of Hot Rolled Coil (HRC) over rebar has reversed, indicating either a potential decline in HRC demand or an oversupply issue. This unusual price inversion has raised concerns among steel industry stakeholders, prompting producers and investors to reassess their strategies.
  • Industry participants are taking a cautious approach, carefully observing market conditions for signs of price volatility and demand shifts.