[SMM Steel] ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India has launched a new production line at Hazira, Gujarat, to produce advanced high-strength steel (AHSS) for the automotive sector. The line has 2 mln t capacity and is part of a $6.31bn expansion, aiming to boost domestic supply and reduce import reliance.

[SMM Steel] Australia has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into galvanized steel imports from South Korea and Vietnam, following a complaint by BlueScope Steel Limited. Key producers involved include POSCO, Dongkuk Steel, Hoa Sen Group, and Nam Kim Steel. The investigation covers zinc-coated flat steel (0.3–3.5mm thickness), with a SEF due by Aug 18 and a final recommendation by Oct 2, 2026.

[SMM Steel] South Korea launched a KRW 99.4bn ($73m) R&D program to help SMEs in steel and aluminum adapt to CBAM and global carbon rules. Led by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and Korea Technology and Information Promotion Agency for SMEs, the scheme offers up to KRW 5.5bn per project for 3–5 years, supporting fuel switching, energy efficiency, and recycling, with real-site testing. The program runs to 2030, aiming to maintain export competitiveness.

[SMM Steel] Hoa Phat Group increased HRC prices by $50/t, above market expectations, signaling a stronger price floor in Asia. The hike is driven by higher iron ore and coal costs, reduced low-priced import pressure, and steady regional demand. It is expected to lift downstream prices (CRC, GI) and may prompt price increases from China Steel Corporation for June bookings.

ArcelorMittal has adjusted its long-term strategy, stating that it will not initiate any new electric arc furnace (EAF) investments until its 2 Mt/y reference project in Dunkirk, France, is nearing completion. The group's 2025 Sustainability Report indicates that due to high energy prices in Europe (well above $30/MWh) and slow progress in green hydrogen infrastructure, the company will adopt a "flexible and adaptable" strategy, prioritizing financial discipline. The Dunkirk EAF project, costing €1.3 billion, has a planned capacity of 2 Mt/y and is expected to begin production in 2029, reaching full capacity in 2030-2031. The new EAF will replace two existing blast furnaces with a combined capacity of 1.8 Mt/y.

Kazakhstan has officially extended its ban on the export of ferrous scrap by rail and road for another six months. The measure is intended to ensure a stable supply of raw materials for domestic steel producers as they ramp up production to meet national infrastructure goals. Regional billet prices rose by $10–15 per ton following the announcement.

The Indian Ministry of Steel reaffirmed in late April 2026 its goal to reach 300 million metric tons of crude steel capacity by 2030, rising from the current 168 million tons. Approximately 64% of this planned expansion relies on the coal-based blast furnace method, creating significant demand for metallurgical coal. To support this growth, India is diversifying its coking coal imports, with the U.S. share of imports increasing to 15% by 2025, reducing reliance on Australian supply which previously commanded 72% of the market.

【SMM Steel】Polish steel group Cognor Holding raised rebar prices nearly 20% effective early 2026 amid a gradual market recovery and EU regulatory changes. The company expects steps to partially offset 2025 losses and improve financial results in coming quarters. A collapse in rebar prices due to Chinese dumping and weak European demand led to revenue falling >9% y/y to PLN2.08bn. Cognor expects operating metrics to improve in Q1 2026 and a return to profitability in Q2. EU regulatory changes, including CBAM and new market protection tools, could reduce external steel supply by ~50%, supporting capacity utilization and price stabilization.

【SMM Steel】Ukraine's Zaporizhcoke reduced output by 3.2% m/m to 75,000t in April 2026, but up 4.1% y/y. Jan-Apr output reached 281,700t, flat y/y. Weak results early in the year were due to reduced coal concentrate supplies from shelling of port/transport infra and power outages disrupting stable ops. Output began recovering in February and continued in March-April. In 2025, output rose 2.7% y/y to 898,300t. Since 2022, the company has spent over UAH360m on coke oven battery overhauls. Zaporizhcoke is part of Metinvest Group, with Zaporizhstal as its main consumer.

【SMM Steel】Wuppermann Metalltechnik opened a new tube plant at its Altmünster, Austria site. Construction began in July 2023, with an estimated cost of €40m. The new line enables a wider size range: complex geometries up to 130mm cross-section and 1-4mm thickness, with pickled, galvanized, or Zn-Mg coatings. For climate-neutral heating, geothermal probes totaling ~5,000m were installed. The first pipe was made in July 2025. Austria's steel output rose 5.9% y/y to 620,000t in 2025, ranking 20th globally.