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Try the Free AI Search EngineEurope Steel Market Insights: Positive Growth Trends Despite Fluctuations in Exports
In Europe, recent developments in steel production and export metrics indicate a very positive sentiment within the market. Notably, “Ukraine’s total steel exports up 8.1 percent in Jan 2026“ and “Italy increased steel production by 19.2% m/m in January“ emphasize a recovering landscape, aligning with satellite observations that show heightened activity levels across key plants.
In January, Ukraine’s flat steel exports decreased by 12.4% m/m, while total production fell to 406,400 mt, revealing a shift in market dynamics. The connections between observed activity and these exports are emphasized by the drop in exports of long rolled steel products by 61.9% y/y as noted in “Ukraine reduced its exports of long rolled steel by 62% y/y in January.” Conversely, Italian steel production’s notable rise—a 19.2% increase from December 2025—reinforces a broader inter-regional stability amid fluctuating Ukrainian export levels.
Recent observations indicate that the SIJ Acroni Jesenice steel plant (Slovenia) showed significant growth in activity, rising from 54.0% in December to 57.0% in February. This increase is reflective of market recovery efforts and demands likely driven by increased regional production needs, correlating with the positive momentum from Italian production increases.
Liberty Czestochowa (Poland) saw a decline from 40.0% to 37.0% over the same period, indicating a possible short-term contraction juxtaposed against rising activity from competitors. The Makstil Skopje plant maintained stable activity levels (44.0%), yet no direct correlation with news events could be clearly established.
In evaluating market implications, potential supply disruptions could emerge from Ukraine’s continued fluctuations in long rolled steel exports, notably impacting EU markets reliant on consistent flat steel supply. Steel buyers should prioritize procurement strategies that consider Ukraine’s declining long rolled outputs alongside the resilience demonstrated by Italy’s rising production.
Given these insights, we recommend:
- Immediate engagement with SIJ Acroni Jesenice to secure contracts for flat rolled products, as their output levels are rising, aligning with increasing demand forecasts in the region.
- Monitoring Liberty Czestochowa’s activity and exploring alternative suppliers if contraction continues, while observing shifts in the wider European context.
- Assessing import strategies from Italy, ensuring alignment with projected production peaks to capitalize on promising supply conditions.
These actions will be critical to identifying opportunities and mitigating risks in the evolving European steel market landscape.