From the Field to the Dashboard – Built by Experts, for Experts.
Discover What's Really Happening in the Steel Industry
Use the AI-powered search engine to analyze production activity, market trends, and news faster than ever before.
Try the Free AI Search EngineStrong Steel Market Growth in Europe: Satellite Data Reflects Elevated Plant Activity
Europe’s steel market is witnessing a significant uptick in activity, with satellite observations showing robust performance across key plants. This positive trend aligns with the insights detailed in articles such as “Viewpoint: EU ethanol supported by mandates in 2026” and “Viewpoint: EU crop biodiesel demand set to rise in 2026”, which highlight a favorable regulatory environment driving demand for sustainable fuel sources, subsequently benefiting the steel sector.
In recent months, observed satellite data indicates dynamic activity levels, particularly at the CMC Zawiercie steel plant in Poland and the ArcelorMittal Méditerranée facility in France. For instance, while the mean steel plant activity in Europe stood at 12% as of June 2025, the CMC Zawiercie plant peaked at 61% in October 2025. Conversely, ArcelorMittal Méditerranée’s activity remained stable around 36%, despite fluctuations in the preceding months. Notably, Iron Ozone 32 in Russia has also maintained a consistent level, with activity around 54% during this timeframe.
CMC Zawiercie Steel Plant
The CMC Zawiercie facility, located in Silesia, Poland, has shown a remarkable increase in activity, ascending from 58% in June to a peak of 61% in October 2025. This plant leverages Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) technology for its production, mainly focusing on sectors such as automotive and construction. The growth in activity presumably correlates with heightened demand for lower carbon steel in line with EU’s regulatory frameworks aimed at reducing GHG emissions, as outlined in the article “Viewpoint: EU crop biodiesel demand set to rise in 2026.”
ArcelorMittal Méditerranée Fos sur Mer
ArcelorMittal’s facility in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur has also exhibited stable performance, despite a slight decline from 36% in October after fluctuating levels over the previous months. As an integrated steel mill employing blast furnace and BOF technologies, its sustained output supports European infrastructure demands, potentially influenced by rising biodiesel requirements mentioned in the “Viewpoint: EU crop biodiesel demand set to rise in 2026″.
Iron Ozone 32 Steel Plant
The Iron Ozone 32 plant, using EAF technology, has shown relatively stable activity, aligning at 54% recently. Given its focus on energy supply products, the plant’s output is less impacted by immediate changes in biodiesel demand but fits into the wider pattern of increasing renewable energy transitions discussed in “Viewpoint: Biogas growth uneven, shipping drives 2026.”
Evaluated Market Implications
The marked increase in activity levels at CMC Zawiercie suggests potential constraints in supply dynamics as demand surges against a backdrop of legislative shifts, particularly regarding GHG emissions. Steel buyers are advised to monitor the ramping up of production and prepare for potential supply shortfalls from the UK due to tariffs impacting biofuels, as discussed in “Viewpoint: EU ethanol supported by mandates in 2026.”
Procurement strategies should be recalibrated to secure materials from active plants, especially those exhibiting high operational rates in anticipation of enhanced demand linked to Europe’s sustainable energy initiatives.