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Asia Steel Market: Positive Outlook Despite US Import Shifts; Guangdong Yuebei Steel Production Surge

Asia’s steel market shows underlying strength even as shifts occur in US steel trade. Recent US import and export data may influence global steel flows, yet no direct correlation can be immediately established with observed Asian steel plant activity. Specifically, the news articles “US Rolled Steel Coil Imports and Exports Decline in April“, “US CRC exports down 13.8 percent in April from March“, “US HRC imports down 28.6 percent in April from March“, “US increased its imports of rolled steel by 10.4% m/m in May“, “US exports of plates in coil down 12.9 percent in April from March“, “US rebar imports down 36.1 percent in April 2025“, and “US standard pipe imports down 3.4 percent in April 2025” detail changing trade dynamics in the US, but at present do not directly explain activity changes observed via satellite in Asian steel plants.

Bar chart and satellite map of steel production activity in Asia

Overall, the mean steel plant activity in Asia experienced some volatility, peaking at 43.0% in May and dropping to its lowest level of 35.0% in June.

Guangdong Yuebei United Steel Co., Ltd., an integrated steel plant producing rebar for building and infrastructure, has consistently operated above the Asian average. Activity increased from 52.0% in April to 55.0% in June, indicating strong regional demand. No direct connection can be established between this observed increase and the provided news articles regarding US import/export trends.

Shandong Taishan Steel Group Co., Ltd., a large integrated steel plant producing hot rolled coil, cold rolled coil, and stainless steel, has maintained very low, stable activity levels. Activity has remained near 13%-14% throughout the observed period, significantly below the Asian average. There is no clear link between this consistently low activity and the news articles detailing US trade dynamics.

Tata Steel BSL Dhenkanal plant, an integrated steel plant in India producing hot rolled coil, pipe and sheet using both BF and DRI methods, exhibits high activity levels. Activity remained high, at 66%-67%, and consistently above the Asian average throughout the observed period. No direct connection can be established between this high activity and the provided news articles.

Evaluated Market Implications

Based on the provided information, Guangdong Yuebei United Steel Co., Ltd.’s increasing activity, coupled with its focus on rebar production, suggests robust demand within the building and infrastructure sectors in its region.

  • Procurement Action for Steel Buyers Focusing on Rebar: Steel buyers in the Guangdong region should consider securing supply contracts with Guangdong Yuebei United Steel Co., Ltd. or alternative suppliers early to mitigate potential price increases due to strong local demand.
  • Procurement Action for Market Analysts: Closely monitor regional construction projects and government infrastructure spending in the Guangdong region to anticipate future demand for rebar and related price trends.
  • Procurement action for HRC/CRC in the USA: Given the news articles “US HRC imports down 28.6 percent in April from March” and “US CRC exports down 13.8 percent in April from March” US based buyers can expect to pay a premium on US produced HRC/CRC and consider exploring alternative suppliers in Asia that may be able to export HRC/CRC to the US.