【SMM Steel】Morocco's Ministry of Industry and Trade has extended its safeguard measure on HRC imports for three additional years from June 19, 2026, following a sunset review. The additional duty will start at 19% and decrease by one percentage point annually until the measure expires on June 19, 2029. Turkey was not included on the exemption list for developing countries, while South Africa, Argentina, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Tunisia, Uruguay, and Venezuela are exempt. Product codes covered include 72.08, 72.11.13, 72.11.14, 72.11.19, 72.25.30, 72.25.40, 72.26.20 series, 72.26.91, and 72.26.99.80.00.

【SMM Steel】Malaysia's Eastern Steel obtained an EPDItaly certification for its HRC. Issued on Mar 26, 2026, valid until Mar 26, 2031. The steel serves diverse industries including construction, auto, machinery, shipbuilding, and pipe production. The successful audit provides the company with its second EU-recognized EPD. By obtaining this verification, ESSB advances its presence within the EU's green product system while validating the environmental profile of its manufacturing process.

[SMM Hot Rolled Daily Trading] On April 9, the combined daily trading volume of hot rolled coils from SMM sample enterprises in four cities (Shanghai, Lecong, Tianjin, Ningbo) totaled 14,470 mt, down 230 mt MoM, down 1.6%, up 27.49% YoY on the Gregorian calendar, down 5.55% YoY on the lunar calendar.

[SMM Steel] Vietnam's domestic coated steel and pipe market is entering a sharp upward price cycle in early April 2026. Major players including Vnsteel Thang Long and Nam Kim Steel have announced significant price hikes ranging from 300,000 to 600,000 VND/mt. This trend is primarily driven by Hoa Phat increasing its Hot Rolled Coil (HRC) prices by 900,000 VND/mt, alongside rising logistics and operational costs. The Ministry of Construction has since intervened, requesting local authorities to monitor prices and prevent speculation to stabilize the construction sector.

Market reports on March 3, 2026, indicate that the ongoing conflict in the Gulf region has caused a significant spike in ocean freight rates. This is particularly affecting the landed cost of iron ore and HRC (Hot Rolled Coil) for sensitive destinations. While mine-side prices remain stable, the rising cost of logistics is beginning to squeeze margins for international steel traders.

[Daily SMM Hot Rolled Coil Trading] On February 28, the combined daily trading volume of hot rolled coils for sample enterprises in four cities (Shanghai, Lecong, Tianjin, Ningbo) was 8,970 mt, up 390 mt, +4.5% MoM, -51.88% YoY, and -20.83% YoY based on the lunar calendar.