Flat Steel Prices Steady Amid Weak Demand; POSCO Holds Stainless Rates to Tackle Imports

Flat steel prices remain unchanged across key Indian markets despite subdued demand due to seasonal factors. Distributors report a lull in HRC and CRC movement, but expectations are bullish for the second half of 2025. Meanwhile, POSCO has frozen stainless steel prices to counter rising imports and stabilize its domestic market.

Key Highlights

  • No major price changes in HRC & CRC reported across major Indian markets
  • July demand weak due to weather; rebound expected in housing and infra sectors
  • POSCO freezes stainless steel prices for July amid rising cost pressures
  • Indian steel demand forecast to grow 8–9% in 2025 despite import concerns

Flat Steel Price Snapshot – Key Indian Markets

  • Markets reported no price changes in HRC & CRC as compared to previous day in few geographical locations . The prices of flat products in various markets are as below:
LocationHRC (₹/MT)CRC (₹/MT)PM Plate (₹/MT)
NCR51,00057,00052,000
Mumbai55,00061,00055,000
Ahmedabad54,00056,00054,500
Chennai53,00060,00054,000
Kolkata51,00058,00052,000
Hyderabad55,50061,00056,000

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Weather-Driven Demand Slowdown in HRC & CRC Segments

  • In july 2025, India's hot-rolled coil (HRC) market is witnessing low demad due to weather conditions , driven by key sectors like automotive, construction, and infrastructure. While demand is expected to rise, in the upcoming months as weather gets settled.
  • Distributors reported need-based procurement with limited buying interest as customers delayed orders anticipating further price corrections. 
  • On the supply front, mills maintained price stability by rolling over HRC list prices, resisting discounts or rebates despite poor demand. This move, combined with high stock levels in trade channels, led to margin pressure on distributors. 
  • In the case of rebar, mills adjusted output amid oversupply, but flat product mills continued regular dispatches. New market entrants offered slightly lower prices, adding competitive pressure to established players. However, supply was adequate to oversupplied, leading to limited scope for price improvement without a demand rebound.

Steel News: POSCO Holds Stainless Steel Prices to Stabilize Korean Market

  • POSCO, South Korea's leading stainless steel producer, has decided to freeze its stainless steel prices for Jul'25 across the 300 and 400 series, as well as molybdenum-added products. 
  • Despite increased volatility in raw material prices, exchange rates, and cost burdens from major facility repairs, POSCO aims to stabilise the market and address the surge in low-priced imports impacting the domestic industry.

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Expert Opinion: Domestic Demand Recovery Hinges on Infrastructure Push

  • As of july 2025, steel distributors in India face a tough  market due to un favourable weather conditions. Domestic steel demand is expected to grow by 8-9% in 2025, driven by the housing and infrastructure sectors. 
  • However, distributors are concerned about to cope up the demand in the market as steel imports is slowed down as of now.Despite these challenges, the long-term outlook remains positive, depending on how the industry adapts to these issues.
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