【SMM Steel】Construction began on Australia's first new steel facility in 30 years: the Swanbank Steel Mill in Ipswich. It will transform recycled scrap into low-emissions green steel using SMS group electric tech, aiming to cut emissions >70% and reach net-zero by 2040. First steel is expected in early 2028. Full capacity: 350,000 t/y of rebar, meeting 90% of Queensland's demand. This domestic supply could replace $2bn in imports and support local projects.

【SMM Steel】UK-based British Steel secured a £70m contract to supply 120,000 tons of billet (mainly 140 mm rebar-grade) for port redevelopment in Nigeria. The deal was signed with Hitech Construction Africa Ltd, contractor for Tin Can Island and Lagos Apapa ports. Deliveries start in spring 2026 and run over three years. It's one of the company's largest billet export orders.

[Ningbo Steel's Information on Adjustments to the Product Pricing Policy for April 2026] On March 20, Ningbo Steel adjusted the prices of its HRC products for April 2026, with the details as follows: The April ex-factory prices remained flat from March, with Q235B set at 3,800 yuan/mt; the above prices were cash, tax-inclusive prices, effective from April 1, 2026. [SMM Steel]

【SMM Steel】Borusan Boru started the EIA process for a TRL 301.65m infrastructure project at its Gemlik facility. The investment involves revamping the pipe line and adding new phosphating and surface cleaning lines to meet rising customer demand for plain welded steel pipes. Upon completion, annual capacity is expected to reach ~1.14 Mt. The construction phase will employ ~50 people.

【SMM Steel】South Korea's Customs Service will implement regular four-year audits for all 28 products under AD duties, including carbon steel plate and PET film, starting this month. The move aims to counter rising protectionism and oversupply. AD cases rose from 5 in 2020 to 13 in 2025. Using AI-based monitoring, the KCS will detect evasion like false declarations or third-country circumvention. Selected firms will face integrated investigations.

【SMM Steel】GMH Gruppe commissioned its second inductive single-rod tempering system (EVA 2) at its Georgsmarienhütte plant, completing a €21.5m investment. The new line doubles electric heat treatment capacity to 35,000 t/y, processing 35-100 mm bars for wind turbines and auto parts. Using renewable electricity instead of gas will cut CO₂ by over 50,000 t in a decade. The project supports its 2039 climate-neutral goal and received €2.2m in German federal funding.

【SMM Steel】Peru's INDECOPI is reviewing evidence to decide whether to impose final AD duties on Chinese wire rod. However, several local firms strongly oppose the move, arguing it would favor sole steelmaker Aceros Arequipa, creating a domestic monopoly as its capacity can't meet total demand. Opponents say imported wire rod is vital for their efficiency and competitiveness. They argue tariffs would distort prices, harm projects, and benefit one firm at the expense of the whole value chain.

The United Kingdom government officially launched a new national Steel Strategy on March 19, 2026, aimed at domesticating 50% of the nation's steel consumption, up from the current 30%. As part of this robust trade defense, the UK will reduce tariff-free import quotas by 60% effective July 1, 2026, while raising the maximum Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff to 50% for imports exceeding these limits. This move is designed to shield the domestic industry—currently transitioning from traditional blast furnaces to electric arc furnaces (EAF)—from global overcapacity and extreme subsidies.

Italy’s crude steel production increased by 8.1% month-on-month in February 2026, signaling a recovery in Southern European industrial activity. This rebound follows a period of stabilization and reflects improved demand from domestic manufacturing and construction sectors as energy price volatility subsides. The increase in output from Italian mills contributes to a moderately positive outlook for non-Chinese steel demand in 2026, which is projected to grow as interest rates decline and borrowing costs for major infrastructure projects soften globally.

The United States reported a 45.9% year-on-year reduction in imports of rolled steel during early 2026, reflecting the impact of newly implemented trade measures and heightened tariffs under Section 122. This sharp decline in foreign supply has significantly tightened the domestic market, allowing major US mills to increase spot market prices for hot-rolled coil to over $1,015 per tonne. Analysts suggest that the new tariff regime, which applies a 10% across-the-board duty on nearly all imports, is forcing a localized supply chain shift for North American manufacturers.