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Try the Free AI Search EngineAsia Steel Market Report: Positive Growth Signals Amid Energy Transition
In Asia, the steel market exhibits a Very Positive sentiment, driven primarily by changes in operational activity linked to recent advancements in renewable energy initiatives. Notably, the article “ADB grants $350mn loan for Thailand’s energy transition” highlighted the financial backing to enhance Thailand’s renewable energy capacity. This is expected to encourage further industrial activity, although direct connections to immediate steel plant operations are yet unestablished. Furthermore, “Japan’s Renova raises renewable power sales in January” reported an uptick in electricity sales, which indirectly implies heightened industrial energy demand, paralleling the observed activity levels.
Activity Overview: The JSW Ispat Special Products Raigarh steel plant showcased a notable peak activity level of 70% in January 2026. Despite a recent decline to 52% by February, this plant consistently maintains above-average operations. The Atibir Industries steel plant currently operates at 71%, which indicates robust production capabilities. Conversely, the West Alborz Ana Steel Zanjan plant reported a lower activity level of 67% but remains relatively stable. The mean activity across all plants analyzed in Asia dipped to 29% in February, suggesting selective operational reductions rather than widespread downturns.
Atibir Industries, located in Jharkhand, primarily engages in the integrated production process utilizing a Blast Furnace (BF) and Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) technology to produce crude, semi-finished, and finished rolled steel, including pig iron and rolled products. Its activity level peaked at 71% in February, aligning with the ongoing energy transition efforts in the region, though no direct connection to the news articles was established.
The JSW Ispat Special Products in Chhattisgarh operates with a capacity of 1,500,000 tons and employs Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) technology, focusing on semi-finished and finished products such as HR plates and rebars. Its activity level at 55% in February reflects resilience despite external market pressures.
West Alborz Ana Steel Zanjan processes semi-finished billet using DRI and EAF technologies. Its activity shifted to 67%, showcasing adaptability but remains below the regional mean, and no connections to recent news were explicitly concluded.
The ADB’s financial initiatives, while improving sustainable energy capacities, indicate potential future supply chain shifts. Steel buyers should closely monitor energy transition developments alongside production activity changes. It is advisable to secure procurement from operationally stable plants like Atibir and JSW Ispat, as they exhibit robust capabilities to respond to both local and regional demand surges, ensuring reliable supply chains. Disruptions might occur in regions slow to adapt to the energy transition, warranting further scrutiny.