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Optimistic Trends in the French Steel Market: Activity Up Amid Declining Imports and Exports

In France, the steel market exhibits a very positive sentiment supported by recent statistics. Notably, France’s steel product export value down 3.5 percent in Jan-Sept 2025 and France’s steel product import value down 10.7 percent in Jan-Sept 2025 highlight a contrasting landscape where domestic manufacturing activity is improving despite reduced import and export values. The satellite activity data shows monthly increases in outputs across major steel plants, correlating with the buoyancy noted in the France’s metal industry output up one percent in Oct 2025 from Sept.

Bar chart and satellite map of steel production activity in France

The mean steelplant activity shows fluctuations, peaking at 32% in August. The ArcelorMittal Dunkerque plant, notable for its integrated steel production capabilities, has experienced a drop from 33% in July to 29% in October. This decline aligns with the broader export trend observed, as the plant’s output decreases amidst weakening export figures. In contrast, the LME Trith-Saint-Léger plant rose to 58% in September but plateaued in October, indicating stability despite external pressures.

The Celsa France Boucau plant maintained a steady activity around 41%-43%, demonstrating resilience, although it mirrors the overall export decline also reported. There is no direct correlation established between Celsa’s activity and the noted export declines.

Given these trends:

  • Potential Supply Disruptions: The decline in ArcelorMittal Dunkerque activity may suggest localized supply concerns, particularly for integrated steel products, affecting related supply chains and procurement plans.

  • Recommended Procurement Actions: Steel buyers should prioritize sourcing from stable plants like Celsa France Boucau to mitigate risks associated with declining production at ArcelorMittal Dunkerque, ensuring a consistent supply of semi-finished and finished rolled products. Moreover, with imports down sharply by 10.7%, there’s an opportunity for buyers to capitalize on the local increased activity to procure competitively priced domestic materials.

This insight underscores the need for continuous monitoring of plant activities as procurement strategies adjust to dynamic market conditions.