Steel prices across global markets are projected to decline by another 4% in 2025, driven primarily by surging exports from China and weaker industrial activity in Europe. Analysts warn that the pricing pressure could push more European steelmakers toward insolvency unless conditions improve.
In 2024, China exported an estimated 115–118 million tons of steel, a 25% year-on-year increase. At the same time, European steel-consuming sectors such as automotive, construction, and machinery reported a 3–4% drop in output. The oversupply situation has already led to an 11% drop in flat steel prices across Europe compared to the previous year.
“The flood of low-cost Chinese steel is devastating for EU producers,” said Markus Feldman, an analyst at EuroSteel Research Group. “Many are operating below breakeven levels, and there’s little relief in sight.”
Industry associations are urging the EU to impose stronger trade protections and expand carbon border adjustments to prevent dumping of high-emission steel from non-EU producers.
VietnamSteel by Hoa Sen Group
