Strong Activity Surge at Thessaloniki Steel Plant Signals Rising Market Demand

The Sidenor Steel Industry plant in Thessaloniki, Greece, is a key player in the regional steel market, boasting an annual production capacity of 800,000 tons. Owned by Sidenor Greek Steel Industry, the plant specializes in a variety of steel products, including rebar and merchant bars, primarily serving the automotive, building, infrastructure, and energy sectors.

Recent data indicates a significant uptick in thermal activity at the plant, particularly in the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF_0). Over the recorded months, activity has shown a steady increase, affirming the plant’s operational resilience amid fluctuating market conditions.

Thermal Activity Observations

From November 2024 to April 2025, thermal activity recorded at the Electric Arc Furnace increased from 47.0% to a peak of 61.0%. This sustained rise reflects growing operational capacity and suggests a robust rebound in steel production, potentially driven by increased demand in construction and automotive sectors, as indicated by similar trends in neighboring markets, including Belgium increased steel production by 6.2% y/y in Q1 and Spain increased steel production by 10.9% y/y in March.

Implications for Steel Buyers and Market Analysts

The observed activity surge at the Sidenor plant suggests an increasing capability to meet rising demand in the region, particularly as neighboring countries also experience production gains. For steel buyers, this signals improved availability of products, but potential price risks may arise given the broader positive market trends. Analysts should remain vigilant for any operational bottlenecks that could emerge if demand continues to outpace supply in this recovering sector.