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Try the Free AI Search EngineSteel Market in Asia Faces Severe Decline Amid Trade Uncertainty
The steel market in Asia exhibits a very negative sentiment, primarily influenced by trade tensions and declining activity levels among major steel plants. The articles “Trumps Zollpolitik lässt deutsche Exporte in die USA einbrechen“ and “Europas Macht ist im Zollkonflikt begrenzt“ shed light on the trade environment exacerbated by US tariffs, contributing to significant drops in production levels.
Measured Activity Overview
Activity levels are significantly declining, mostly between October and November 2025, where the mean activity dropped from 33.0% to 45.0%. The reduction correlates with increased pressure from US tariffs as outlined in “Trumps Zollpolitik lässt deutsche Exporte in die USA einbrechen,” further impacting trade flows.
Tata Steel Kalinganagar remained relatively stable despite the overall decline, holding at 55.0% in January 2026. In contrast, JSW Steel Dolvi saw a notable increase to 68.0% activity, possibly reflecting strategic adjustments amidst unfavorable market dynamics. However, North Nippon Muroran Works fell sharply to 46.0% in January 2026.
Evaluated Market Implications
Recent shifts in steel plant activity, particularly at Tata Steel Kalinganagar and North Nippon Muroran Works, signal potential supply disruptions due to tariffs affecting raw material costs and trade relationships. Given these external pressures, procurement professionals should:
- Monitor developments related to the US trade policies closely, as they indicate further supply chain challenges for plants like North Nippon Muroran.
- Explore alternative suppliers in regions less impacted by the US tariffs for both finished and semi-finished products, especially given the activity declines observed at the North Nippon Muroran Works, which specializes in automotive and finished rolled products.
- Advise on strategic purchasing at JSW Steel Dolvi, whose rising activity levels may suggest capacity for increased output or flexibility in meeting fluctuating demand.
Without a direct relationship between JSW’s improvement and the cited news articles, the potential for its recovery amidst market turbulence remains. Steel buyers must remain agile, considering localized market conditions and global trade dynamics to navigate the current severe downturn effectively.