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Try the Free AI Search EngineEurope Steel Market: Production Mixed Amidst German Decline, Sales Dip
Europe’s steel market presents a mixed picture, with production trends varying across the region. The decline in German steel production, as highlighted in “Germany reduced steel production by 10.1% y/y in April” and “German crude steel output down 11.9 percent in Jan-Apr“, contrasts with a year-on-year increase in Italian steel production reported in “Italy reduced steel production by 10.8% m/m in April“. Despite these regional differences, overall global steel production also experienced a decrease, according to “Global steel production fell by 6.3% m/m in April“. These shifts do not show any clear correlation with satellite-observed plant activity.
Observed activity data presents significant anomalies in mean plant activity for 2025-02 through 2025-05. Focusing on specific plants, activity at Donetsksteel Metallurgical Plant has remained relatively stable, ranging from 12% to 16%. SIJ Acroni Jesenice steel plant shows a clear upward trend in activity from 39% in February 2025 to 62% in May 2025. SSAB Raahe steel plant shows more than double activity in may compared to march 2025. These plant-specific trends do not directly correlate with the reported overall production decreases in Germany or Italy, and no specific news directly explains these satellite activity trends.
Donetsksteel Metallurgical Plant, an integrated (BF) steel plant located in Donetsk, produces pig iron with a BF capacity of 1500 ttpa. Its activity has been relatively stable, fluctuating between 12% and 16% from March to May 2025. There is no directly correlated news explaining this behavior, it is worth noting that the plant does have responsible Steel Certification.
SIJ Acroni Jesenice steel plant, an electric arc furnace (EAF) based producer of flat rolled steel products in Slovenia, has shown a consistent rise in activity, increasing from 39% in February to 62% in May 2025. While the “Italy reduced steel production by 10.8% m/m in April” article mentions increased flat product output year-over-year, there is no direct link to SIJ Acroni. The plant is also Responsible Steel Certified, and possesses ISO50001.
SSAB Raahe steel plant, an integrated (BF) steel plant in Finland with a crude steel capacity of 2600 ttpa, producing hot rolled coils and billets, shows a more than doubling of activity levels from March (17%) to May (34%) of 2025. It holds ISO14001 and ResponsibleSteel certification. This activity cannot be directly linked to the named provided news articles.
Evaluated Market Implications:
Based on “Steel sales in Germany decreased by 5% in April, inventories decreased“, the decline in German steel sales, particularly in flat rolled steel due to automotive sector downturn, combined with decreased inventories, could lead to potential supply constraints for specific products despite overall production declines.
- Procurement Action: Steel buyers should prioritize securing contracts with producers outside of Germany, specifically those focused on flat rolled products, to mitigate potential supply chain risks. Buyers could consider increasing procurement from SIJ Acroni Jesenice steel plant, given its increasing activity.
- Analyst Action: Closely monitor inventory levels in Germany and sales trends in the automotive sector to assess the severity and duration of potential supply disruptions.