Steel rose to 3,117 CNY/T on December 2, 2025, up 0.23% from the previous day. Over the past month, Steel's price has risen 1.30%, but it is still 7.09% lower than a year ago, 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 December of 2025.

Monthly and long-term steel (usa) price data (US$/mt): historical series and analyst forecasts curated by FocusEconomics.

HRC Steel fell to 891.06 USD/T on December 2, 2025, down 0.88% from the previous day. Over the past month, HRC Steel's price has risen 5.08%, and is up 29.14% compared to the same time last year, 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.

Monthly and long-term steel (europe) price data (US$/mt): historical series and analyst forecasts curated by FocusEconomics.

Structural steel (FOB India) prices fell YoY in late 2023. From Oct ($598) to Dec ($515), consistent ~11-12% monthly drops were observed.

China steel prices continue to level off from mid-May heights off the back of sluggish seasonal demand, declines in domestic manufacturer steel consumption and government pledges to curb “unreasonable” demand, despite tighter climate controls on steel production. Overall, Asia-Pacific steel prices are still set to stay elevated in the medium-term with support from robust infrastructure spending, though concerns loom oversupply capacity expansions in South-East Asia and tightening of fiscal spending in China.

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.

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Carbon Steel Market Size 2025-2029

The carbon steel market size is valued to increase by USD 197.5 billion, at a CAGR of 3.3% from 2024 to 2029. Growing demand for construction industry will drive the carbon steel market.

Market Insights

APAC dominated the market and accounted for a 73% growth during the 2025-2029.
By End-user - Construction segment was valued at USD 405.20 billion in 2023
By Type - Low carbon steel segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2023

Market Size & Forecast

Market Opportunities: USD 29.44 billion 
Market Future Opportunities 2024: USD 197.50 billion
CAGR from 2024 to 2029 : 3.3%

Market Summary

Carbon steel, a versatile alloy of iron and carbon, is a cornerstone of global industries due to its exceptional strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness. The market for carbon steel is driven by the burgeoning construction sector, which accounts for a significant portion of its demand. Infrastructure development projects, particularly in emerging economies, fuel the need for large quantities of carbon steel. Moreover, the increasing adoption of sustainable manufacturing practices has led to the steel industry's evolution, with carbon steel being a key material in the production of green steel through the electric arc furnace process. However, the market faces challenges, primarily due to the volatility of raw material prices. The prices of iron ore and coal, key inputs in steel production, can fluctuate significantly, impacting the profitability of steel manufacturers. A real-world business scenario illustrates this challenge. A large-scale steel producer aims to optimize its supply chain by securing long-term contracts with reliable suppliers for raw materials. This strategy enables the company to mitigate the risk of price volatility and maintain operational efficiency. In conclusion, the market is shaped by the growing demand from the construction industry, the adoption of sustainable manufacturing practices, and the challenges posed by raw material price volatility. Companies in this sector must navigate these factors to maintain profitability and competitiveness.

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

Get Key Insights on Market Forecast (PDF) Request Free SampleCarbon steel, a versatile alloy, continues to dominate various industries due to its strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Hot-rolled steel products undergo quenching and tempering, normalizing treatments, and annealing processes for enhanced properties. In pressure vessel design, carbon steel's low-temperature applications excel, while alloy steel alternatives cater to high-temperature applications. Sustainable manufacturing practices are increasingly integrated, focusing on cost optimization strategies, quality assurance systems, and supply chain management. In structural steel design, carbon steel's strength-to-weight ratio makes it a preferred choice. Compared to stainless steel, carbon steel offers a cost advantage in automotive steel applications. Stress relieving methods and coating application techniques further enhance its usability. Cold-rolled steel sheets and galvanized steel sheets cater to diverse industries, from construction to automotive. Surface hardening techniques, such as normalizing and quenching, ensure superior resistance to corrosion and wear. Metallographic analysis and welding procedures are essential for maintaining product integrity. Pipeline steel standards prioritize material selection criteria, ensuring safety and reliability. Failure analysis techniques help identify potential issues, preventing costly downtime. In summary, the market showcases continuous evolution, with trends focusing on sustainability, cost optimization, and enhanced performance. Companies prioritize compliance with industry standards, ensuring the delivery of high-quality products. By understanding these trends, businesses can make informed decisions regarding product strategy, budgeting, and overall operations.

Unpacking the Carbon Steel Market Landscape

Carbon steel, a key industrial material, offers superior yield strength properties due to its chemical composition control. Compared to low-carbon counterparts, high-strength low-alloy steels exhibit a 30% increase in tensile strength, enabling cost-effective solutions for structural applications. Microstructure examination through non-destructive testing methods, such as ultrasonic inspection, ensures compliance with steel pipe specifications and enhances production efficiency. Alloying elements, like manganese and chromium, enhance corrosion resistance, reducing waste and maintenance costs by 20%.

Residual stress measurement and fracture toughness testing are essential for ensuring mechanical properties data align with quality control standards. Heat treatment processes, including

Stainless steel prices fell in 2024 due to oversupply and weak demand; 2025 outlook signals further declines amid market saturation.

Get the latest insights on price movement and trend analysis of Stainless Steel in different regions across the world (Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East Africa).

In Q3 2025, North America, the Stainless Steel (Flat)Price Index fell by 1.67% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weaker downstream demand. Check detailed insights for Europe and APAC.

Track Stainless Steel 304 price trends with monthly, quarterly, and yearly data for 2024–2025. Get expert forecasts, historical charts, and regional insights to plan your sourcing.

This statistic shows steel scrap prices worldwide between the 2013 and 2016 calendar years, and gives a forecast through 2021. In 2018, it is expected that the price of steel scrap will come to around *** U.S. dollars per metric ton.

Get the latest insights on price movement and trend analysis of Steel Scrap in different regions across the world (Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East Africa).

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Steel Market Size 2025-2029

The steel market size is valued to increase USD 307.4 billion, at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2024 to 2029. Urbanization and infrastructure development will drive the steel market.

Major Market Trends & Insights

APAC dominated the market and accounted for a 67% growth during the forecast period.
By Type - Flat steel segment was valued at USD 797.80 billion in 2023
By Application - Structural steel segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2023

Market Size & Forecast

Market Opportunities: USD 28.76 billion
Market Future Opportunities: USD 307.40 billion
CAGR from 2024 to 2029 : 4.5%

Market Summary

The market is a significant player in the industrial sector, with a current size of over 1,300 million metric tons in annual production. This market's expansion is primarily driven by urbanization and infrastructure development, as steel is a crucial component in constructing buildings, bridges, and transportation systems. Additionally, there is a growing trend toward sustainable steel production, as companies seek to reduce their carbon footprint and meet increasing environmental regulations. However, the market faces challenges from trade barriers and protectionist policies, which can disrupt global supply chains and impact pricing. These issues can lead to volatility in the market and create uncertainty for businesses.
Despite these challenges, the steel industry continues to evolve, with innovations in production methods and materials driving efficiency and cost savings. As the world's population grows and urbanizes, the demand for steel is expected to remain strong, making it an essential commodity for businesses across various industries.

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

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How is the Steel Market Segmented ?

The 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.

Type

  Flat steel
  Long steel


Application

  Structural steel
  Automotive steel
  Electrical steel
  Packaging steel


End-user

  Construction
  Transportation
  Machinery
  Metal goods
  Others


Method

  Basic oxygen furnace
  Electric arc furnace
  Open hearth furnace


Geography

  North America

    US
    Mexico


  Europe

    Germany
    Italy
    Russia


  Middle East and Africa

    Turkey


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Type Insights

The flat steel segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

In the ever-evolving market, flat steel, a significant sector, is characterized by its versatility and robustness. This category includes hot-rolled coils (HRC), cold-rolled coils (CRC), galvanized steel, tinplate, and steel plates, each designed to meet specific industrial demands. Hot-rolled steel sheets offer high yield strength and tensile strength, while cold-rolled steel sheets provide improved surface finish and formability. Galvanized steel coatings ensure corrosion resistance, making them ideal for harsh environments. The steel industry continues to innovate, with advancements in heat treatment processes, steel weldability, and microalloyed steel grades. Ductile iron properties and stainless steel grades cater to high-strength applications, while steel forming processes enhance production efficiency.

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The Flat steel segment was valued at USD 797.80 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Steel quality control is ensured through non-destructive testing and microstructure analysis. The steel industry's focus on research and development has led to the emergence of high-strength low-alloy steel, which boasts impressive strength-to-weight ratios. A notable example of flat steel's impact is its extensive use in the automotive sector, where it contributes to the manufacturing of body panels and structural components. In fact, the automotive industry accounts for approximately 16% of global steel consumption. As the market continues to evolve, the demand for advanced materials and processing technologies will persist, driving innovation and growth within this essential industry.

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Regional Analysis

APAC is estimated to contribute 67% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

See How Steel Market Demand is Rising in APAC Request Free Sample

The market in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is experiencing significant growth, fueled by industrial expansion, infrastructure devel

Scrap Steel rose to 356 USD/T on November 20, 2025, up 0.14% from the previous day. Over the past month, Scrap Steel's price has risen 1.57%, but it is still 0.97% lower 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 Scrap Steel.

In Q3 2025, North America, the Electrical Steel Price Index fell by 5.38% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weak demand. Check detailed insights for Europe and APAC.

In 2024, the global hot-rolled steel products market decreased by -8.9% to $758.1B, falling for the second consecutive year after two years of growth. Over the period under review, consumption saw a perceptible increase. Over the period under review, the global market attained the maximum level at $1,054.8B in 2022; however, from 2023 to 2024, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

The global steel market, a $1.3 trillion industry, faces a period of slow growth (-1% CAGR). This in-depth analysis explores market trends, challenges (rising costs, environmental regulations), and key players like ArcelorMittal and China Baowu. Discover insights into future projections and the strategic adaptations shaping the industry's future.

In Q3 2025, USA, the Steel Plate Price Index fell by 4.89% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting persistent demand softness and oversupply. Check detailed insights for Europe and APAC.