Daily Market Report

ArcelorMittal raised HRC offers to €610/ton EXW for Q4 2025, widening the gap with cheaper imports at €490/ton CFR. Demand remains subdued despite seasonal recovery hopes, while supply challenges persist. Upcoming CBAM rules and possible quota cuts may shift buying behavior, supporting EU mills’ pricing power later in 2025.

Flat steel prices remained steady across Indian markets, with traders expecting demand revival post-September. Coated steel stayed firm but lacked traction. Market sentiment is cautiously optimistic ahead of the festive season and infrastructure recovery.

Steel prices fell across major regions as weak demand continues to weigh on the market. Distributors have adjusted prices downward while maintaining steady inventories. The Ministry of Steel is focusing on strengthening the secondary steel sector and promoting green steel initiatives. The outlook remains bearish, with further price cuts expected.

Flat steel prices remained stable across key cities. While local trade activity picked up slightly, overall sentiment remains weak due to excess imports and tepid industrial demand. Government support and upcoming policy shifts may stabilize the market, but caution persists. Buyers are mostly purchasing only on a need basis.

Secondary structural steel prices increased by ₹300–₹600/MT due to tight supply, active fabrication demand, and logistical constraints. The primary market remains stable with selective buying. Mills are ramping up utilization, while localized shortages are emerging in key sections. Buyers should consider near-term bookings amid improving site activity and potential post-monsoon recovery.

Steel prices have increased across regions due to supply shortages caused by maintenance activities at the Angul and Dolvi plants. Despite the usual monsoon lull, demand remains steady. Imports dropped 28.8% in Q1 FY2025, mainly from China and Japan. Domestic producers are adjusting pricing and production strategies amid rising orders and low distributor inventories.

Rebar prices showed mixed trends across Indian markets, rising in regions like Ahmedabad and Jalna due to cost-push and buying interest. Monsoon disruptions and mill shutdowns are limiting supply in pockets, while global markets remain steady to muted. Prices are expected to remain firm in the short term, with regional differences.

TMT bar prices across major regions have declined due to sluggish demand and stable supply. Distributors are reducing prices to stay competitive, while maintaining consistent inventory levels. Key contract wins and infrastructure developments continue to support long-term prospects, but market sentiment remains cautious due to weak purchasing activity.

Structural steel prices continued their downward trajectory this week, particularly in the secondary market. Monsoon-related disruptions, delays in fund disbursement, and persistent liquidity constraints are weighing heavily on demand. While primary mills are holding prices firm, secondary mills are resorting to discounts to manage cash flow. The near-term outlook remains subdued until site activity gains momentum post-monsoon.

Primary TMT prices dropped again across major regions amid continued weak demand. Sellers are offering deeper discounts, while distributors maintain adequate inventory. Despite the subdued market, Vizag-based SEIL made headlines by acquiring an Andhra Premier League franchise, blending steel with sport to boost brand visibility. Experts caution that more price cuts may follow unless demand picks up.

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.

Steel prices have declined across Mumbai, Delhi NCR, and Vizag due to continued demand weakness and stable inventory levels. Distributors are offering competitive rates to stimulate buying. Meanwhile, Tata Steel faces a GST-related tax demand, although the company maintains there’s no merit in the allegation and plans to contest it.