From the Field to the Dashboard – Built by Experts, for Experts.
Discover What's Really Happening in the Steel Industry
Use the AI-powered search engine to analyze production activity, market trends, and news faster than ever before.
Try the Free AI Search EnginePositive Sentiment in Asia’s Steel Market Supported by Rising Production and Export Trends
The steel market in Asia, particularly in India, is showing a positive trajectory influenced by significant shifts in production and export dynamics. Notably, “Steel exports from India rose by 24.9% y/y in April,” correlates with a 16% increase in iron ore production reported by “India’s NMDC raises iron ore prices in May,” pointing to robust activity in the steel sector driven by strong domestic consumption and export potential.
Measured Activity Overview
The activity levels at Hyundai Steel’s Dangjin plant have remained consistently high, reaching 63% as of April 2026. This stability indicates a solid production base, aligning with India’s steel export growth. In contrast, Guangxi Iron and Steel shows an upward trend, reaching 94% in May, supporting export growth amid Indian competition. The Baosteel Zhanjiang plant, however, saw a lower performance by comparison with peaks below 30%, indicating potential supply challenges.
The stable trends in production at Hyundai Steel and the increasing activity at Guangxi Iron and Steel correlate with the news of rising market demand, particularly from “India increased iron ore imports in April by 2.6 times y/y,” highlighting a shift in regional dynamics.
Market Implications
Current activity levels indicate potential supply disruptions primarily from Baosteel Zhanjiang, where output remains low and is not keeping pace with competitor plants in the region. Steel buyers should strategically focus on sourcing from Hyundai Steel and Guangxi Iron and Steel to mitigate risks associated with Baosteel‘s declining output. Furthermore, with rising iron ore costs reported by NMDC, it is advisable for buyers to secure long-term contracts now to lock in prices amidst anticipated fluctuations.
In conclusion, the observed shifts in plant activity levels combined with export growth affirm the positive sentiment in Asia’s steel sector. Buyers should prioritize procurement from high-activity plants while preparing for potential disruptions linked to Baosteel Zhanjiang‘s lower activity levels.