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Try the Free AI Search EngineEuropean Steel Market Insights: Thyssenkrupp Operations Suspension Amid Import Surge
In Europe, the steel market remains neutral amid significant operational changes at Thyssenkrupp Electrical Steel (TKES). As detailed in the article “Thyssenkrupp Electrical Steel to suspend operations at two plants in Germany and France,” TKES will halt production at its Gelsenkirchen and Isbergues plants until year-end, followed by a reduced operational capacity in Isbergues. This operational change aligns with observable reductions in satellite-measured activity levels, highlighting a trend influenced by increased low-priced imports from Asia.
The ThyssenKrupp Steel Duisburg plant, a significant facility in the region with a capacity of 13,000 tonnes for crude steel production, has exhibited a gradual decline in activity from 58.0% in June to 48.0% in October. This decline might correlate with TKES’s strategic decision reported in the article “Thyssenkrupp cuts back on electrical steel production,” which cites the impact of rising imports. The Dillinger Hüttenwerke plant maintained lower but stable activity levels around 25.0–39.0%, suggesting resilience amidst broader market challenges. In contrast, British Steel’s Scunthorpe plant slightly fluctuated between 43.0% and 52.0%, indicating a measure of stability possibly due to the diversification of its product offerings.
In light of current events, stakeholders should prepare for potential supply disruptions, particularly concerning electrical steel sourced from TKES plants. Buyers should consider adjusting procurement strategies focused on securing alternative suppliers or regions to manage risks from these operational changes. Additionally, monitoring the evolution of cheap imports will be critical, as the ongoing pressure on European production capacity could lead to further price volatility and availability issues across various product categories.