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Try the Free AI Search EngineAsia Steel: Output Mixed Amidst Global Decline, DRI Production Rises
Asia’s steel market presents a mixed picture amidst a global downturn, with India showing growth while others face declines. According to “World crude steel output down 1.3 percent in July 2025”, Asia’s overall output fell by 1.9%. The observed activity data suggests a nuanced scenario at the plant level in India that doesn’t directly mirror the overall Asian decline detailed in the news article, suggesting regional variations.
Recent monthly activity trends:
The mean steel plant activity in Asia peaked in May at 43.0% and then declined to 33.0% in August.
Rashmi Metaliks Kharagpur steel plant, located in West Bengal, India, is an integrated steel plant with a capacity of 1500 ttpa of crude steel and 1500 ttpa DRI production. Its activity has been consistently high, with activity at 85.0% in August, although declining from a high of 92.0% in April. This level is substantially above the Asian average. While “Global DRI output up nine percent in July 2025” highlights the increasing DRI production trend, no direct link can be explicitly established between the specific activity level at Rashmi Metaliks and this news item.
Jayaswal Neco Industries Raipur steel plant, located in Chhattisgarh, India, also operates as an integrated steel plant, producing 1200 ttpa of crude steel, with 270 ttpa from DRI. The plant’s activity has steadily increased over the observed period, reaching 69.0% in July and August, well above the mean Asian activity. Similar to Rashmi Metaliks, no direct link can be established between the observed activity and the general DRI production increase reported in “Global DRI output up nine percent in July 2025”.
Sree Metaliks Barbil steel plant, situated in Odisha, India, is an integrated steel plant with a smaller capacity of 700 ttpa crude steel and 240 ttpa DRI. Its activity remained relatively stable at approximately 60%, slightly exceeding the overall Asian average until July and August where the average catches up. Despite the plant’s reliance on DRI, the news about increased DRI production (“Global DRI output up nine percent in July 2025”) does not provide a direct explanation for the consistent activity levels.
While Japan’s crude steel output is down 2.5% year-on-year according to the news article “Japanese crude steel output down 2.5 percent in July 2025”, the presented satellite data does not include any Japanese steel plants. Therefore, no statement about these can be made.
Evaluated Market Implications:
The data suggests that supply from Rashmi Metaliks may be slightly affected by its activity decrease from 92% to 85%. For steel buyers:
1. Monitor Rashmi Metaliks’ production: Given the slight decrease in activity at Rashmi Metaliks, buyers who rely on this plant for DRI, pig iron, billets, or TMT bars should proactively engage with the supplier to confirm order fulfillment and explore alternative sources if necessary.
2. Consider Jayaswal Neco Industries Raipur: The increase in activity at Jayaswal Neco could indicate increased availability of their products, especially pig iron and DRI. Procurement professionals should investigate this plant as a potential supplementary supplier.