For the Quarter Ending June 2026
Steel Plate Prices in North America
- In USA, the Steel Plate Price Index rose by 13.09% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting tariff-driven supply constraints.
- The average Steel Plate price for the quarter was approximately USD 1359/MT reported by mills.
- Steel Plate Spot Price firmed as low service center inventories and export demand tightened availability.
- Steel Plate Price Forecast points to summer softening before late-summer rebound driven by infrastructure procurement.
- Steel Plate Production Cost Trend remains elevated as firm scrap and energy prices sustain margins.
- Steel Plate Demand Outlook shows oil, gas and infrastructure buying supporting sustained offtake through summer.
- Service center destocking influenced the Steel Plate Price Index, tempering spot negotiations despite mill pricing.
- Mill maintenance and controlled output limited near-term supply, supporting offers amid thin inventories, export interest.
- Elevated freight and tariff barriers increased landed costs, feeding through to ex-works offers and risk.
Why did the price of Steel Plate change in June 2026 in North America?
- Domestic supply discipline and reduced import competition tightened regional availability, supporting higher ex-works plate offers.
- Elevated scrap and energy costs, plus rising freight insurance premiums, created a production cost floor.
- Revised Section 232 tariffs curbed imports, reinforcing domestic mill pricing power and limiting buyer leverage.
Steel Plate Prices in APAC
- In Japan, the Steel Plate Price Index rose by 6.37% quarter-over-quarter, driven by tighter supply.
- The average Steel Plate price for the quarter was approximately USD 634.67/MT across Osaka channels.
- Steel Plate Spot Price eased as import arrivals slowed and inventories stayed below two-month cover.
- Steel Plate Price Forecast expects near-term softness before recovery as restocking and seasonal projects resume.
- Steel Plate Production Cost Trend reflects iron ore and coking coal pressure, increasing mill costs.
- Steel Plate Demand Outlook supported by shipbuilding, offshore wind and public infrastructure, offsetting automotive weakness.
- Steel Plate Price Index dynamics were influenced by mill export allocations and competitive regional offers.
- Low distributor inventories and prioritized export shipments constrained domestic availability, supporting consistently higher prompt offers.
- Major producers maintained firm offers to protect margins while buyers delayed procurement awaiting clearer signals.
Why did the price of Steel Plate change in June 2026 in APAC?
- Tighter spot availability, constrained imports reduced local supply, prompting mills and traders to lift bids.
- Elevated iron ore, coking coal and energy costs raised production expenses, justifying higher price levels.
- Strong shipbuilding and offshore wind procurement sustained demand while competitive Chinese offers capped price gains.
China
- In China, Mild Steel Plate Price Index rose by 11.47% quarter-over-quarter, driven by infrastructure demand.
- Mild Steel Plate Spot Price gained mid-quarter then exhibited intramonth volatility as mills adjusted offers.
India
- In India, the Steel Plate Price Index rose by 3.4371% quarter-over-quarter, backed by infrastructure demand.
- Steel Plate Spot Price remained range-bound as the Price Index showed mild volatility amid inventories.
Steel Plate Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the Steel Plate Price Index rose by 6.55% quarter-over-quarter, tightening mill offers overall.
- The average Steel Plate price for the quarter was approximately USD 922.00/MT across Ruhr hubs.
- Tightening import parity supported the Steel Plate Spot Price despite subdued immediate procurement from fabricators.
- Revised Steel Plate Price Forecast anticipates moderate gains as EU safeguards reduce tariff-free import quotas.
- Elevated gas and carbon costs pushed the Steel Plate Production Cost Trend higher, constraining margins.
- The Steel Plate Demand Outlook remains cautious with construction and heavy engineering delaying discretionary purchases.
- Weekly swings influenced the Steel Plate Price Index, shifting April strength toward June corrective weakness.
- Inventory draws normalization affected offers, while higher freight and insurance elevated delivered Steel Plate costs.
Why did the price of Steel Plate change in June 2026 in Europe?
- Domestic production ramped in June, increasing immediate availability and pressuring prompt negotiated Steel Plate prices.
- Persistent elevated energy and carbon compliance costs kept cost base high, offsetting downward price momentum.
- Logistics disruptions and higher insurance freight increased delivered costs, moderating sellers' willingness to lower offers
For the Quarter Ending March 2026
Steel Plate Prices in North America
- In USA, the Steel Plate Price Index rose by 6.40% quarter-over-quarter, supported by disciplined mill output and steady demand.
- The average Steel Plate price for the quarter was approximately USD 1201.67/MT, per weekly Ex Works assessments.
- Steel Plate Spot Price remained firm amid tight spot availability as mills managed volumes and limited discounted offers.
- The Steel Plate Price Forecast anticipates modest firming, reflecting controlled mill output and gradual seasonal restocking.
- Steel Plate Production Cost Trend showed upward pressure from elevated energy and freight costs due to geopolitical tensions.
- Steel Plate Demand Outlook remains steady with construction, energy, and fabrication supporting measured procurement and cautious restocking.
- The Steel Plate Price Index registered periodic spikes driven by supply constraints and precautionary buying from distributors.
- Inventory levels tightened regionally, while export demand and vendor delays continued to exert upward pressure on Ex Works pricing.
Why did the price of Steel Plate change in March 2026 in North America?
- Domestic production dips and constrained imports tightened availability, prompting upward price pressure in March 2026.
- Elevated energy and freight costs from geopolitical tensions increased production cost pressures on mills regionally.
- Precautionary buying by distributors and project restocking absorbed available spot tonnes, limiting further downward pressure.
Steel Plate Prices in APAC
- In Japan, the Steel Plate Price Index fell by 1.38% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting stable supply and muted downstream demand.
- The average Steel Plate price for the quarter was approximately USD 596.67/MT, reported by Osaka trade desks.
- Steel Plate Price Index showed limited volatility as domestic mills maintained disciplined offers amid balanced inventories and imports.
- Steel Plate Spot Price traded narrowly as import arrivals and controlled mill output constrained prompt availability.
- Steel Plate Production Cost Trend saw moderate pressure from higher energy and freight costs, largely absorbed by mills.
- Steel Plate Demand Outlook remained cautious with subdued automotive and construction procurement limiting spot offtake.
- Steel Plate Price Forecast points to mild upward bias near term, supported by fiscal year-end restocking and maintenance.
Why did the price of Steel Plate change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Balanced domestic supply and steady imports limited immediate upward pressure, keeping transactional prices largely unchanged.
- Higher energy and freight costs created mild cost-push, but mills absorbed most increases to maintain volumes.
- Subdued downstream demand, especially automotive and construction, restrained buying, offsetting supply tightness from planned maintenance.
Steel Plate Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the Steel Plate Price Index rose by 10.8% quarter-over-quarter, driven by tighter supply and energy cost inflation.
- The average Steel Plate price for the quarter was approximately USD 865.33/MT, reflecting balanced supply and restrained demand.
- Steel Plate Spot Price remained range-bound early quarter as service-centre inventories and logistics issues constrained prompt availability.
- Steel Plate Price Forecast suggests modest correction later in year as imports normalize and restocking pressures ease.
- Steel Plate Production Cost Trend rose due to elevated natural gas and electricity prices, supporting mill offers.
- Steel Plate Demand Outlook remains cautious with automotive and construction procurement subdued despite selective restocking activity.
- Service centre inventories and export demand supported the Steel Plate Price Index strength during mid-March repricing.
- Mill operating rates remained below pre-crisis norms, limiting incremental tonnage and sustaining upward pricing pressure.
Why did the price of Steel Plate change in March 2026 in Europe?
- Rising energy costs from Middle East tensions increased production expenses, prompting mills to lift offered plate prices.
- Import flows tightened due to CBAM uncertainty and logistical delays, reducing arbitrage and strengthening domestic mill pricing power.
- Moderate restocking by service centres and selective procurement by industrial buyers supported higher spot and contractual offers.
For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
- In USA, the Steel Plate Price Index fell by 0.5% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting modest oversupply from mills.
- The average Steel Plate price for the quarter was approximately USD 1129.33/MT, reflecting seasonal restocking.
- Steel Plate Spot Price volatility eased as service-center destocking offset curtailed mill output before maintenance.
- The Steel Plate Price Forecast suggests modest gains next year driven by infrastructure and energy restocking.
- Steel Plate Production Cost Trend increased as higher scrap and iron ore costs tightened margins, supporting mill offers.
- Steel Plate Demand Outlook remains mixed; energy and defense demand offset automotive and general construction weakness regionally.
- Service-center inventories and export enquiries tightened the Steel Plate Price Index, supporting short-term mill offer increases.
- Tariff protections and Buy America rules kept import competition limited, sustaining domestic Steel Plate mill order books and pricing power.
Why did the price of Steel Plate change in December 2025 in North America?
- Seasonal construction slowdown reduced immediate plate offtake, weakening spot demand and pressuring nearby prices downward.
- Winter maintenance and limited rolling capacity trimmed supply availability, supporting short-term price resilience despite weak demand.
- Elevated scrap and iron ore costs raised production expenses, sustaining mill offers and offsetting some downward pressure.
APAC
- In Japan, the Steel Plate Price Index fell by 8.89% quarter-over-quarter, due to subdued demand.
- The average Steel Plate price for the quarter was approximately USD 605.00/MT, per Osaka market.
- Steel Plate Spot Price eased as service-centre inventories remained high and mill offers softened slightly.
- Steel Plate Price Index showed limited upside as exporters reduced shipments and buyers delayed purchases.
- Steel Plate Production Cost Trend firmed as energy and raw-material prices increased, pressuring mill margins.
- Steel Plate Demand Outlook remains subdued with construction and shipbuilding orderbooks underperforming seasonal expectations currently.
- Steel Plate Price Forecast suggests moderate recovery if winter maintenance reduces output and buyers restock.
- Inventory overhang and weak exports constrained firming, though sporadic project demand could tighten spot availability.
Why did the price of Steel Plate change in December 2025 in APAC?
- Abundant mill output and subdued construction demand created inventory overhang, driving downward pressure on prices.
- Rising energy and raw-material costs squeezed mill margins, prompting selective offer increases despite weak demand.
- Stable logistics and uninterrupted imports limited tightness, while export weakness kept surplus material largely domestic.
Europe
- In Germany, the Steel Plate Price Index fell by 1.01% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting subdued demand regionally.
- The average Steel Plate price for the quarter was approximately USD 781.00/MT, reflecting market balance.
- Tightening scrap availability pushed the Steel Plate Spot Price higher, raising Steel Plate Price Index.
- Consensus Steel Plate Price Forecast suggests gains from restocking and tighter import quotas supporting pricing.
- Elevated electricity and CO2 fees underpinned the Steel Plate Production Cost Trend, pressuring mill offers.
- Steel Plate Demand Outlook remains muted for construction, while automotive, energy sectors provide offtake support.
- High distributor inventories and pre-CBAM import surges pressured spot negotiations, affecting export flows and regional availability.
- Sanctions and logistical blockages tightened feedstock, forcing mills to prioritise contracted orders and firm FD offers.
- Near-term supply discipline from Ruhr mills supports the Price Index, though demand softness may cap upside.
Why did the price of Steel Plate change in December 2025 in Europe?
- Import restrictions and sanctions reduced slab inflows, tightening availability and pushing spot premiums materially higher.
- Elevated energy and CO2 costs increased production cost pressure, supporting mill offers despite weak downstream demand.
- Distributors steadied inventories and buyers delayed bulk purchasing, muting immediate demand and limiting price declines.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
- In USA, the Steel Plate Price Index fell by 4.89% quarter-over-quarter, in Q3 2025, reflecting persistent demand softness and oversupply.
- The average Steel Plate price for the quarter was approximately USD 1135.00/MT, reflecting blended market activity.
- Steel Plate Spot Price remained pressured, with the Price Index signaling caution amid ample supply and weak demand.
- Steel Plate Price Forecast remains cautious as Demand Outlook softens, and inventories stay elevated across distribution channels.
- Steel Plate Production Cost Trend shows steady input costs and modest margin compression under weak near-term demand.
- Demand Outlook for Steel Plate remains tepid due to slow construction pipelines and cautious capital spending.
- Price Index volatility is muted as price negotiations persist, with Spot Price exposure limited by favorable steel supply.
- Steel Plate Spot Price dynamics reflect ongoing discounts from mills, reinforcing service-center inventory relief and pricing discipline.
- Major US mills maintain steady output, keeping Price Index under range-bound pressure despite sporadic restocking signals.
Why did the price of Steel Plate change in September 2025 in North America?
- Supply/demand dynamics in September constrained by tepid construction activity and cautious procurement behavior across sectors.
- Cost pressures, tariff headwinds, and transport costs limited aggressive price adjustments in September for buyers.
- Market dynamics including inventory levels and restocking cycles shaped the net price movement in NA.
APAC
- In Japan, the Mild Steel Plate Price Index fell 1.39% quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025, reflecting muted overseas demand.
- The average Mild Steel Plate price for the quarter was approximately USD 664/MT, reflecting balanced demand and stable supply dynamics.
- Mild Steel Plate Spot Price fluctuated within a narrow band; Price Index readings indicate tentative stabilization amid export competition.
- Price Forecast for Mild Steel Plate remains cautious as export headwinds and domestic demand signals balance.
- Production Cost Trend shows input costs stable, supporting margins despite rising freight and currency translation effects.
- Demand Outlook points to tentative restocking in construction and manufacturing, aiding price stability in APAC.
- Distributor inventories remain elevated, contributing to range-bound trading and slower turnover across regional service centres.
- Major mills maintain cautious pricing with selective discounts to defend market share amid robust low-cost exports.
Why did the price of Mild Steel Plate change in September 2025 in APAC?
- Supply side pressures from export competition and tariff headwinds limited upside and kept markets cautious.
- Cost pressures from steady input costs and currency moves restrained price acceleration in September, notably for exporters.
- Logistics resilience and stable supply chains mitigated shortages, keeping prices largely stable despite demand variations.
Europe
- In Germany, the Steel Plate Price Index fell by 5.21% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weak domestic demand and oversupply.
- The average Steel Plate price for the quarter was USD 789/MT, reflecting muted activity and softer demand.
- Steel Plate Spot Price patterns showed modest declines as German mills chased volumes amid limited project awards.
- Steel Plate Price Forecast remains cautious, with upside unless construction and automotive demand strengthens.
- Steel Plate Production Cost Trend pressures persisted from energy costs and carbon-related compliance in Europe.
- Steel Plate Demand Outlook remains soft in Germany, driven by cautious buyer behavior and inventory destocking.
- Steel Plate Price Index movements echoed EU oversupply, with domestic overhang sustaining pricing pressure across Ruhr.
- Steel Plate Price Index stability was challenged by CBAM related costs and export headwinds in late Q3.
- Steel Plate Price Forecast uncertainty remains until downstream orders stabilize and inventory cycles normalize across Europe.
Why did the price of Steel Plate change in September 2025 in Europe?
- Supply overhang in Europe and muted downstream demand created sustained price pressure through September 2025.
- Rising energy costs and carbon compliance pressures elevated production costs, contributing to cautious price movements.
- Logistics constraints and CBAM lead times tightened near-term supply, influencing seller discounting and inventory behavior.
