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Try the Free AI Search EngineMixed Signals in European Steel: German Downturn Offset by Gains in France, Spain, Italy and Poland
Europe’s steel market presents a complex picture. While Germany faces production and sales declines, other nations demonstrate growth. The decline in German steel output, as reported in “German crude steel output down 11.9 percent in Jan-Apr,” cannot be directly linked to satellite-observed activity data. Furthermore, there is no visible correlation to the satellite data given for the other EU countries mentioned. The satellite data is not precise enough to give specific assessments in line with the individual growth and decline percentages in the provided articles, nor can the validity of the satellite data be easily verified due to lack of the source.
Measured Activity Overview:
The mean activity level data for Europe contains significant errors, rendering it unusable for drawing conclusions about general market trends. Donetsksteel’s activity remained relatively stable at around 14-17%. SIJ Acroni Jesenice shows a significant increase, from 39% in February to 62% in May. SSAB Raahe started being tracked in March and shows a steady increase from 18% to 34% activity.
Donetsksteel Metallurgical Plant, located in Donetsk, Ukraine, primarily produces pig iron using integrated BF technology, with a BF capacity of 1.5 million tons. Satellite data indicates relatively stable activity levels, fluctuating between 14% and 17% over the observed period. The stable activity cannot be directly related to any of the provided news articles.
SIJ Acroni Jesenice steel plant in Slovenia uses EAF technology for its 726,000-ton crude steel capacity, producing flat rolled steel products. Satellite data shows a substantial increase in activity from 39% in February 2025 to 62% in May 2025. This increase in the observed satellite data cannot be directly related to any of the provided news articles.
SSAB Raahe steel plant in Finland utilizes integrated BF-BOF technology with a 2.6 million ton crude steel capacity, producing hot rolled coils and billets. The plant’s activity, first measured in March 2025 at 18%, increased steadily to 34% by May 2025. This increase in the observed satellite data cannot be directly related to any of the provided news articles.
Evaluated Market Implications:
Given the mixed signals of increasing production in France, Spain, Poland and Italy, coupled with declining sales and production in Germany, steel buyers should consider diversifying their supply sources beyond Germany to mitigate potential disruptions. Focus on suppliers in France, Spain, Poland, and Italy, where production is demonstrably increasing, as reflected in articles “France increased steel production to 893 thousand tons in April“, “Spain increased steel production by 6.1% y/y in January-April“, “Poland increased steel production by 3.9% y/y in January-April” and “Steel production in Italy continues to grow“. While the satellite data does not correlate well with the various production rates, the article headlines confirm the growth in those specific countries.