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Try the Free AI Search EngineAsia Steel Market: Production Mixed Amidst China’s Iron Ore Dip & Rising Stainless Exports
Asia’s steel market presents a mixed outlook, with fluctuating production levels across key players. Observed changes in plant activity coincide with shifts in regional and global production dynamics as reported in “World crude steel output down 1.3 percent in July 2025,” “China’s iron ore output down 5.4 percent in January-July 2025,” “Japanese crude steel output down 2.5 percent in July 2025” and “China’s rebar output down 2.3 percent in January-July 2025,” however no direct relationship between these news and the observed plant activities could be established.. These trends are further nuanced by increased Chinese stainless steel exports, as highlighted in “China’s stainless steel exports up 5.1 percent in January-July 2025“.
The mean steel plant activity in Asia fluctuated, peaking at 43% in May and then dropping to 36% by August. The most significant shift was observed at the Ege Steel Aliaga plant, while JSPL Jharkhand demonstrated consistent increases in activity.
Ege Steel Aliaga plant
Located in İzmir, Türkiye, the Ege Steel Aliaga plant operates with a 2000 ttpa EAF-based crude steel capacity, focusing on rebar and wire rod production. The plant’s activity experienced a sharp decline, plummeting from 77% in May to just 11% in August. This substantial decrease does not appear to directly correlate with the news articles provided, as none address specific challenges or changes affecting Turkish steel production during this period.
JSPL Jharkhand steel plant
The JSPL Jharkhand steel plant in India, equipped with a 1600 ttpa EAF-based crude steel capacity producing semi-finished wire rod and bar, showed a steady increase in activity from 43% in March to 69% in August. This rise is consistent with the increase in Indian crude steel production reported in “World crude steel output down 1.3 percent in July 2025,” which notes a 14% increase in India’s output. This suggests a potential correlation between the increased activity at the JSPL Jharkhand plant and the overall growth in Indian steel production.
Bonab Steel Complex
The Bonab Steel Complex in East Azerbaijan, Iran, has a 1400 ttpa EAF-based crude steel capacity. Activity at this plant remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 10% and 19% during the observed period, with a slight decrease to 17% in August. No direct relationship could be established between these stable activity levels and the provided news articles.
Evaluated Market Implications
The decline in activity at Ege Steel Aliaga, coupled with stable activity at Bonab Steel Complex, suggests localized supply constraints that do not reflect broader Asian market trends. However, the increasing activity at JSPL Jharkhand aligns with the growth of Indian steel production, which could lead to increased supply from this region.
Recommended Procurement Actions:
- For buyers dependent on Turkish steel: Given the significant drop in activity at Ege Steel Aliaga, procurement professionals should diversify their sourcing and explore alternative suppliers to mitigate potential supply disruptions.
- For analysts: Closely monitor Turkish steel production data and any policy changes that may impact Ege Steel Aliaga’s operations to better assess long-term supply stability.
- Consider increasing sourcing from India: The JSPL Jharkhand steel plant displays a steady increase in activity and this trend is in line with increase in production of Indian steel. Steel buyers and analysts should consider India as an alternative source for steel.