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European Steel Sector Shows Mixed Signals: Belgian Output Rises Amidst Luxembourg Modernization

Europe’s steel market presents a complex picture, with production shifts influenced by modernization efforts and fluctuating demand. As highlighted in “Belgium increased steel production by 12.2% m/m in September,” Belgian output saw a significant monthly increase, although year-to-date figures remain down. While “The ArcelorMittal Luxembourg SteelUp project is nearing completion” suggests an upcoming capacity boost and efficiency gains in Luxembourg, no direct correlation to recent plant activity can be established from the provided data.

Here’s a summary of recent monthly plant activity levels based on satellite data:

Bar chart and satellite map of steel production activity in Europe

The mean steel plant activity in Europe fluctuated, peaking in July and August, then decreasing significantly in September and October.

Plant Activity Analysis:

  • OMK Ecolant steel plant: The satellite data shows consistently high activity (61982503741.0) over the measured period. However, as this plant is located in the Russian Federation, its activity isn’t directly influenced by the European market dynamics detailed in the provided news articles.
  • ABS Sisak Iron & Steel plant: This EAF-based Croatian plant, producing 350,000 tons of crude steel annually, experienced a gradual activity decline from May (41%) to October (33%). There’s no direct connection to the provided news articles that could explain this observed trend.
  • Marcegaglia Sheffield steel plant: This UK-based EAF plant, with a capacity of 500,000 tons of crude steel, had relatively stable activity levels until September (46%), followed by an increase in October (48%). This increase does not coincide with any developments specifically mentioned in the provided news articles; therefore, no link can be established.

Based on “Belgium increased steel production by 12.2% m/m in September,” steel buyers should note the increased supply in Belgium and potentially negotiate contracts, taking advantage of the increased supply.
Given the completion of “The ArcelorMittal Luxembourg SteelUp project is nearing completion,” buyers should anticipate new steel grades and consider Luxembourg as a potential source for low-carbon steel in the near future, as the plant aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 200,000 tons annually.