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Positive Outlook on Asian Steel Market: Activity Trends Point to Recovery Amid Declining US Imports

Recent developments in the Asian steel market highlight a positive sentiment, especially in light of observable trends at key steel plants across the region. The articles “US HRC imports down 23.7 percent in August 2025 from July“ and “The US reduced its imports of rolled steel products by 15.9% m/m in September“ directly correlate with a notable stabilization in Asian production levels, as observed through satellite data.

Bar chart and satellite map of steel production activity in Asia

Baosteel Zhanjiang (Guangdong) maintained consistent activity levels averaging around 38% throughout the months while Jianglong Acheng (Heilongjiang) was remarkably high at 100% in June, indicating a peak performance. However, it recorded a significant decline to 79% in September, presumably demonstrating a reaction to the reduced demand emerging from US imports, indicating a potential strategic adjustment in production in response to market conditions. Hyundai Steel Dangjin (South Korea) exhibited a decreasing trend, dropping from 60% to 58% by October, suggesting an alignment with the general pullback in rolled steel imports as reported.

Given the declining US imports, particularly in hot rolled products and rolled steel, steel buyers should procure proactively to secure favorable pricing before potential supply tightness develops. Specific attention should be directed toward Jianglong Acheng due to its recent volatility, which may indicate future uncertainties or adjustments in capacity linked to upstream market conditions.

The combination of steady production at Baosteel and fluctuating performance at Jianglong Acheng, especially amid a backdrop of reduced competition from US imports, is likely to shape purchasing decisions favorably in the Asian steel landscape currently characterized by stability and recovery.