Steel fell to 3,207 CNY/T on August 8, 2025, down 0.25% from the previous day. Over the past month, Steel's price has risen 4.94%, and is up 6.90% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Steel - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on August of 2025.

From May to August 2018, rebar products cost *** U.S. dollars per short ton. Rebar, which is short for reinforcing bar, is used to reinforce concrete or other aspects of masonry in order to provide tensile strength to large structures.

Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: Cold Rolled Steel Sheet and Strip (WPU101707) from Jun 1982 to Jun 2025 about steel, metals, commodities, PPI, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

This statistic shows the producer price index of steel mill products in the United States from 2006 to 2019. In 2019, the price of steel mill products appeared as *** on the index, compared to 100 in 1982.

HRC Steel fell to 830.03 USD/T on August 8, 2025, down 0.95% from the previous day. Over the past month, HRC Steel's price has fallen 5.89%, but it is still 22.06% higher than a year ago, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. This dataset includes a chart with historical data for HRC Steel.

This statistic shows the monthly prices of U.S. flat rolled steel throughout 2018, with a breakdown by main product type. Flat rolled steel is often used in pipe work, boilers, and construction. Plate steel, which is a relatively thick product and used in shipbuilding, cost *** U.S. dollars per short ton at the start of 2018 in January.

In the fourth quarter of 2023, the price of the flat steel in the USA reached 3479 USD/MT by December. Similarly, in China, the flat steel prices hit 1858 USD/MT in the same month. The Germany also saw flat steel prices reaching 3125 USD/MT during Q4 2023.

Explore IMARC’s newly published report, titled “Flat Steel Pricing Report 2024: Price Trend, Chart, Market Analysis, News, Demand, Historical and Forecast Data,” offers an in-depth analysis of flat steel pricing, covering an analysis of global and regional market trends and the critical factors driving these price movements.

Graph and download economic data for Unit Labor Costs for Manufacturing: Iron and Steel Mills and Ferroalloy Production (NAICS 3311) in the United States (IPUEN3311U101000000) from 1988 to 2024 about ferroalloy, unit labor cost, iron, mills, steel, NAICS, IP, production, manufacturing, and USA.

The producer price index for iron and steel metals and metal products in the United States fell between 2018 and 2020. Prices for steel commodities in particular have fluctuated over the ***** due to uncertain markets and international diplomacy.

United States - Producer Price Index by Industry: Fabricated Structural Metal Manufacturing: Fabricated Structural Iron and Steel for Commercial, Residential, Institutional, and Public Buildings was 200.16900 Index Jun 2011=100 in May of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Producer Price Index by Industry: Fabricated Structural Metal Manufacturing: Fabricated Structural Iron and Steel for Commercial, Residential, Institutional, and Public Buildings reached a record high of 217.28300 in January of 2024 and a record low of 100.00000 in June of 2011. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Producer Price Index by Industry: Fabricated Structural Metal Manufacturing: Fabricated Structural Iron and Steel for Commercial, Residential, Institutional, and Public Buildings - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on July of 2025.

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Carbon Steel Market Size 2025-2029

The carbon steel market size is forecast to increase by USD 197.5 billion, at a CAGR of 3.3% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven primarily by the expanding construction industry. This sector's increasing demand for durable and cost-effective steel solutions is fueling market expansion. Additionally, there is a rising trend towards sustainable manufacturing practices, as companies seek to reduce their environmental footprint and improve their social responsibility. However, the market faces challenges due to the volatility of raw material prices, which can significantly impact production costs and profitability. Environmental conditions necessitate the use of anti-corrosion coatings, further bolstering market demand.
As such, market participants must navigate this price instability while continuing to meet customer demands and maintain competitive pricing. Companies that successfully manage these dynamics and innovate to meet evolving customer needs will be well-positioned to capitalize on the market's growth opportunities. From the hot rolling process to the final product, every stage of carbon steel production is meticulously controlled to ensure the highest quality and performance. Volatile prices of raw materials, such as iron ore and coal, pose a significant threat to market growth.

What will be the Size of the Carbon Steel Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
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The market continues to evolve, driven by advancements in steel manufacturing processes and the diverse applications of this versatile material across various sectors. The hot rolling process and continuous casting technique have revolutionized steel production, enabling the mass production of high strength steel with superior mechanical properties. For instance, the adoption of high strength steel in the automotive industry has led to a significant increase in fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. The steel manufacturing process undergoes rigorous testing to ensure adherence to material specification standards.

Impact toughness testing, surface hardness testing, and corrosion resistance rating assessment are essential to evaluate the steel's performance under various conditions. Carbon steel alloying, annealing temperature control, and heat treatment processes like quenching and tempering are crucial in optimizing the steel's mechanical properties. Non-destructive testing methods, such as ultrasonic testing and X-ray inspection, are employed to ensure product quality and reliability. The electric arc furnace and basic oxygen furnace are integral to the steelmaking process, reducing iron ore to molten steel. Steel microstructure analysis and chemical composition analysis are essential in understanding the steel's behavior during manufacturing and its final properties.

The market is a dynamic and ever-evolving industry, driven by advancements in steel manufacturing processes and the diverse applications of this versatile material.

How is this Carbon Steel Industry segmented?

The carbon steel industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

End-user

  Construction
  Shipbuilding
  Automotive
  Transportation
  Others


Type

  Low carbon steel
  Medium carbon steel
  High carbon steel


Form Factor

  Flat products
  Long products
  Tubular products


Geography

  North America

    US


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    UK


  APAC

    Australia
    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  Rest of World (ROW)

By End-user Insights

The Construction segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Carbon steel, a key component in various industries, undergoes a intricate manufacturing process that includes hot rolling, steel manufacturing, and alloying with elements like manganese and silicon for high strength steel. Post-production, processes such as galvanizing, impact toughness testing, and surface hardness testing ensure the steel meets specifications. The steel industry's growth is driven by construction, which accounted for the largest market share in 2024, with a steady expansion of residential and commercial buildings globally. High-rise structures, tech parks, and infrastructure projects necessitate carbon steel's use due to its superior mechanical properties, including yield strength and tensile strength. Carbon steel tubes have gained significant traction in Europe due to the increasing demand from various end-user industries, including oil and gas, power generation, and infrastru

US iron and steel manufacturers, who are estimated to generate $108.4 billion in revenue for 2025, face a complex financial landscape after several years of fluctuating performance. While the industry has demonstrated a current period growth of 3.7% CAGR, the current year growth is estimated at 3.6%. Lower revenues in recent years were linked to depressed steel prices, caused by oversupply, sluggish demand in the construction and automotive sectors, and import competition. However, early 2025 has seen an uptick in prices driven partly by tariffs on imported steel, providing a glimmer of hope for improved earnings and profit, even as stricter EPA regulations on air quality and hazardous pollutants raise compliance costs. Characterized by a mix of large integrated producers and smaller specialized mills, the industry's structure is being reshaped by tariffs on foreign steel. While tariffs are boosting domestic manufacturers by creating a more favorable environment for domestic investment and job creation, they are also driving up costs for downstream industries such as automakers and construction firms. These tariffs, imposed to protect domestic producers, have contributed to higher US steel prices, even as manufacturers navigate increasingly stringent environmental regulations. The EPA's tougher air quality standards, targeting emissions from steelmaking processes, require costly investments in new equipment and process upgrades. As a result, the industry faces a complex landscape of trade tensions and varying profit impacts across different sectors. Looking ahead, the industry is expected to see growth stimulated by projected expansion in the domestic economy and large-scale federal infrastructure investments. Government initiatives, particularly those tied to infrastructure projects with “Buy America” provisions, are expected to bolster demand for domestically produced steel. The industry is projected to achieve a 1.7% CAGR through 2030, reaching $117.8 billion in revenue. Rising demand for green steel will also accelerate technology investments and transform production processes. Steelmakers will need to invest in expanding capacity, modernizing facilities and adopting advanced manufacturing technologies to meet anticipated demand and comply with evolving environmental standards.

Iron and Steel Price in the United States - 2023. Find the latest marketing data on the IndexBox platform.

Graph and download economic data for Import Price Index (End Use): Iron and Steel Mill Products - Semifinished (IR141) from Jan 2025 to May 2025 about end use, iron, mills, steel, imports, production, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

United States USGS: Leading Index: Metal Prices: Growth Rate data was reported at -3.500 % in May 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of -1.200 % for Apr 2018. United States USGS: Leading Index: Metal Prices: Growth Rate data is updated monthly, averaging 0.900 % from May 2014 (Median) to May 2018, with 49 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3.600 % in Apr 2016 and a record low of -6.500 % in Jan 2015. United States USGS: Leading Index: Metal Prices: Growth Rate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by United States Geological Survey. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.WB001: Metal Industry Indicator Indices.

United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: Steel Wire, Stainless Steel was 175.30000 Index Dec 2010=100 in July of 2023, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: Steel Wire, Stainless Steel reached a record high of 209.58200 in August of 2022 and a record low of 83.80000 in June of 2016. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: Steel Wire, Stainless Steel - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on July of 2025.

United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: Cold Rolled Steel Sheet and Strip was 392.04700 Index Jun 1982=100 in June of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: Cold Rolled Steel Sheet and Strip reached a record high of 711.61100 in November of 2021 and a record low of 99.40000 in January of 1983. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: Cold Rolled Steel Sheet and Strip - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on August of 2025.

United States Import Price Index: BM: Iron and Steel data was reported at 230.800 2000=100 in Jun 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 231.400 2000=100 for May 2018. United States Import Price Index: BM: Iron and Steel data is updated monthly, averaging 166.900 2000=100 from Dec 1993 (Median) to Jun 2018, with 295 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 314.600 2000=100 in Jul 2008 and a record low of 88.900 2000=100 in Jan 2002. United States Import Price Index: BM: Iron and Steel data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.I030: Import and Export Price Index: 2000=100: By Harmonized Index.

After demand for steel dropped during the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, steel prices also took a hit. However, in 2021, hot-rolled coil (HRC) steel prices were projected to rebound to around *** U.S. dollars per metric ton—a ** percent recovery from the dip in prices that had continued into 2020. The U.S. market by the end of 2021 The United States is among the markets where hot-rolled coil (HRC) steel prices are the highest in the world. It was expected that U.S. steel distributors and producers, such as Nucor and United States Steel, would benefit from the steel tariffs on U.S. imports that came into effect in the spring of 2018. At the same time, U.S. imports from the countries subjected to the so-called Section 232 tariffs were projected to decline. By the end of 2021, Canada was the main country of origin for the U.S.’s imports for consumption of steel products. Impact on the Chinese market Even though a large part of China's steel exports to the United States had already been restricted through antidumping or countervailing duties, trade tensions put pressure on steel markets worldwide, including China. Chinese steel product imports amounted to ***** million U.S. dollars, making it the ninth country of origin for steel products in the United States. Overall, rolled steel was the seventh largest category of Chinese export goods in 2021, amounting to almost *** billion yuan (approximately ** billion U.S. dollars). This comes after China's steel sector had a drop in sales to its domestic auto sector in early 2019.

In 2023, the price of fabricated structural steel in the United Kingdom has fallen by over ** percent. That came after the cost of that building material soared between 2020 and 2022. Most of that price increase happened in 2021, with a growth rate of **** percent that year. Structural steel is widely used for construction because it is durable, malleable, and strong, while also being cheaper than many other metals. For example, it is often used as a structural material for skyscrapers and other buildings, as well as for infrastructure. Why has the price of steel increased? Those price increases seen until 2022 have not just affected the UK, but many other countries around the world. For example, the cost of fabricated structural metal in the U.S. and that of structural steel and other steel products in Germany reached their highest growth rate in 2022. Supply chain disruptions along with a decrease in the global production of crude steel in 2020 were some of the main reasons for those price hikes in 2021. In addition to that, the price of iron ore, which is the main component of steel, and energy also had a strong impact on the final price of steel products those years. Largest steel producers In the past couple of years, China was by far the largest steel producer in the world, with a production volume that was well over ***** times higher than that of the second country in the ranking: India. Although the United States was also on that list along with Japan and Russia, it was not among the leading exporters of steel. The reason for that discrepancy is that a big share of the production in countries of the size of the U.S., China, and India goes to fill their own domestic needs. Meanwhile, **** of the ** companies with the highest output of steel came from China, with the rest coming from Luxembourg, Japan, South Korea, India, and the U.S.