【SMM Steel】thyssenkrupp Steel has restarted trial operations at its Hot Strip Mill 4 in Duisburg. The facility was damaged by a fire caused by a furnace deflagration on October 24 2025. Engineers integrated technical upgrades during reconstruction. A linked continuous caster returned to service in December 2025. The mill produces high-strength thin flat steel for auto e-mobility mechanical engineering construction and energy sectors.

Indonesian state-owned steel giant PT Krakatau Steel (Persero) Tbk (IDX: KRAS, hereinafter referred to as "Krakatau") released its 2025 consolidated financial statements on March 31, 2026. On the surface, the company recorded a net profit of 339.6 million USD (approximately 5.68 trillion IDR), its best performance since 2019. However, unpacking the core steel business reveals that the steel segment's operating loss in 2025 actually widened from 40.79 million USD in 2024 to 102.5 million USD.

According to Australian Government, the Fingerboards project by Gippsland Critical Minerals Ltd in East Gippsland, Australia is designed to become a major supplier of rare earth elements and zircon, with onsite processing and rail transport supporting downstream refining. The project targets annual output of around 200 tonnes of heavy rare earth oxides, 1,800 tonnes of light rare earth oxides, and 75,000 tonnes of zircon. It is expected to generate about 400 construction jobs and 262 permanent positions, with a total capital investment of $295 million.

Thyssenkrupp Steel has announced an investment of €2.4 million into a new testing facility at its Duisburg site to evaluate the "iron ore of the future." This initiative focuses on the chemical and physical characterization of high-purity ores and pellets required for hydrogen-based direct reduction (DR) plants. As the industry moves away from traditional coal-based blast furnaces, ensuring a stable and efficient supply of DR-grade feedstock is critical for the success of Thyssenkrupp's decarbonization strategy, which targets its first climate-neutral steel production by the end of 2026.

[SMM Steel] Thyssenkrupp Steel Europe urged the European Commission to strengthen safeguards for grain-oriented electrical steel as low-cost Asian imports disrupt the market. Producers warn that current measures are insufficient, with cheaper imports already forcing production cuts in parts of Europe, particularly in France. The industry cautions that without stronger protections, domestic capacity and technical expertise may further decline.

【SMM Steel】Thyssenkrupp Steel Europe is pushing the EC for immediate trade protection to defend its grain-oriented electrical steel production. Cheap Asian imports have tripled since 2022 and soared 50% in 2025. Thyssenkrupp extended production cuts at two facilities. GO steel is essential for power grids but avoids existing quota cuts. The steelmaker warns 1,200 jobs and Europe's tech lead are at risk without a level playing field. Quick intervention is needed.