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In Asia, the steel market sentiment remains very negative, chiefly due to heightened competition from China and ongoing trade barriers. Key articles, such as “Trumps Zollpolitik lässt deutsche Exporte in die USA einbrechen“ and “Oren Cass: „Die Grönlandsache mag ich gar nicht”, highlight the impact of US tariffs on global trade dynamics, which could correlate with observable drops in plant activity levels.
Measured Activity Overview
The data indicates fluctuating activity levels with noticeable instability. For instance, Henan Angang Zhoukou experienced a significant drop to 29% in August, potentially linked to diminished demand highlighted in “Trumps Zollpolitik lässt deutsche Exporte in die USA einbrechen”. Meanwhile, plants like Aba and Wuhai Baogang maintained relatively higher activity levels of 66%, suggesting resilience against external pressures.
Guangxi Guigang Iron and Steel exhibited stable activity around 46%, signifying adaptability, while Lao Cai’s high of 67% in October appears disconnected from the cited news articles, corroborating a market-wide turmoil rather than isolated plant issues.
Evaluated Market Implications
Recent dynamics indicate potential supply disruptions, especially from Henan Angang, which is increasingly vulnerable to external trade pressures. Procurement teams should prepare for possible delays or shortages in this region. Buyers are urged to diversify sourcing strategies, particularly for Aba Iron and Steel and Wuhai Baogang, to mitigate risks associated with heavy reliance on plants with declining outputs.
In light of the negative sentiments and pressures from US trade policies, buyers are advised to act with caution. Immediate purchasing plans should thus focus on securing agreements with suppliers demonstrating consistent operation levels, particularly the Wuhai Baogang plant, noted for its strategic capacity.