Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: Carbon Steel Scrap (WPU101211) from Dec 1986 to Sep 2025 about steel, metals, commodities, PPI, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

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.

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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

Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: Carbon Steel Castings, Except Investment (WPU10150701) from Dec 2003 to Sep 2025 about steel, metals, investment, commodities, PPI, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

In 2023, the average selling prince of South Korean steel works company POSCO's carbon steel amounted to around **** million South Korean won per metric ton. This was a slight decrease compared to the previous year, but still represented the second-highest number of the past decade.

China Transaction Price: 36 City Avg: Carbon Steel: 40mm, 45# data was reported at 3,794.400 RMB/Ton in Oct 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 3,819.540 RMB/Ton for Sep 2025. China Transaction Price: 36 City Avg: Carbon Steel: 40mm, 45# data is updated monthly, averaging 4,645.000 RMB/Ton from Dec 2011 (Median) to Oct 2025, with 167 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 6,111.880 RMB/Ton in May 2021 and a record low of 2,370.000 RMB/Ton in Dec 2015. China Transaction Price: 36 City Avg: Carbon Steel: 40mm, 45# data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Price Monitoring Center, NDRC. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Price – Table CN.PG: Steel Price.

Explore the dynamic factors influencing carbon steel prices per kg, including market demand, geopolitical events, and supply chain disruptions. Learn how these variables, along with steel grades and economic conditions, affect pricing in industries like construction and automotive as of October 2023.

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.

United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: Carbon Steel Scrap was 494.14400 Index Dec 1986=100 in August of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: Carbon Steel Scrap reached a record high of 786.56400 in April of 2022 and a record low of 97.70000 in April of 1987. 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: Carbon Steel Scrap - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on December of 2025.

United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: Carbon Steel Castings, Except Investment was 300.73900 Index 1982=100 in August of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: Carbon Steel Castings, Except Investment reached a record high of 304.47100 in May of 2024 and a record low of 95.30000 in June of 1981. 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: Carbon Steel Castings, Except Investment - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on December of 2025.

View monthly updates and historical trends for US Producer Price Index: Material Recyclers: Shredded Carbon Steel Scrap. from United States. Source: Burea…

View yearly updates and historical trends for US Producer Price Index: Metals and Metal Products: Carbon Steel Scrap. from United States. Source: Bureau o…

Explore the factors influencing the cost of steel plates per pound, including market conditions, material grade, and processing requirements. Understand how global economic conditions and industry demand affect pricing, with carbon steel ranging from $0.30 to $1.00 per pound and stainless steel from $2.00 to $3.00. Stay informed for competitive pricing strategies.

The global flat carbon steel market, valued at $842.06 million in 2025, is projected to experience steady growth, driven primarily by the burgeoning construction and infrastructure sectors globally. Increased urbanization and infrastructure development initiatives in developing economies like India and China are significantly boosting demand for flat carbon steel in building applications. The automotive and transportation industry, another key consumer, is witnessing growth fueled by rising vehicle production and the increasing adoption of lightweighting technologies in automobiles to improve fuel efficiency. While the mechanical equipment segment contributes considerably, its growth is somewhat moderated by cyclical fluctuations in industrial production. The market is segmented by type into low, medium, and high carbon steel, with low carbon steel dominating due to its cost-effectiveness and suitability for a wide range of applications. However, the demand for high-carbon steel is also growing, driven by its superior strength properties, primarily in specialized applications within the automotive and infrastructure industries. Growth restraints include fluctuating raw material prices (iron ore, coking coal), stringent environmental regulations leading to higher production costs, and geopolitical uncertainties impacting global trade. Despite these challenges, the market's overall trajectory remains positive. The anticipated growth is further influenced by technological advancements in steel production aiming for improved efficiency and sustainability, such as the development of advanced high-strength steels that minimize material usage without compromising structural integrity. This leads to cost reductions and improved environmental performance, making flat carbon steel a competitive option despite rising raw material and regulatory pressures. Major players like Tata Steel, ArcelorMittal, United States Steel Corporation, and Voestalpine are actively engaged in strategic initiatives such as mergers, acquisitions, and capacity expansions to meet the evolving market demands and maintain their competitive edge.

The global flat carbon steel market, valued at $847.2 million in 2025, is projected to experience steady growth, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 1.9% from 2025 to 2033. This moderate growth reflects a mature market with established players like Tata Steel Limited, ArcelorMittal, United States Steel Corporation, and Voestalpine Group. While the market is not experiencing explosive growth, several factors contribute to its sustained trajectory. Increased infrastructure development globally, particularly in emerging economies, fuels demand for flat carbon steel in construction and automotive applications. Advancements in steel production technologies, focusing on enhanced efficiency and reduced environmental impact, are also influencing market dynamics. However, fluctuating raw material prices, particularly iron ore and coking coal, pose a significant challenge, impacting profitability and potentially hindering growth. Furthermore, increasing competition from alternative materials, such as aluminum and advanced composites, in specific niche applications, necessitates strategic adaptation by existing market players. The market is segmented based on product type (e.g., hot-rolled, cold-rolled, galvanized), application (e.g., construction, automotive, appliances), and end-use industries. A detailed regional breakdown would provide further insights into market variations. The forecast period of 2025-2033 anticipates a continuation of these trends. While a 1.9% CAGR might seem modest, it represents a significant volume increase over the long term, driven by sustained infrastructure development in various regions and the ongoing need for flat carbon steel in numerous essential industries. However, proactive management of raw material price volatility and strategic diversification into higher-value applications will be crucial for market players to secure their position in this competitive landscape. The adoption of sustainable manufacturing practices, aligned with growing environmental concerns, will also significantly impact market competitiveness and overall growth trajectory.

United States - Producer Price Index by Industry: Steel Wire Drawing: Carbon Steel Wire was 283.59200 Index Jun 1982=100 in August of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Producer Price Index by Industry: Steel Wire Drawing: Carbon Steel Wire reached a record high of 338.05300 in July of 2022 and a record low of 93.40000 in November of 1986. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Producer Price Index by Industry: Steel Wire Drawing: Carbon Steel Wire - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on November of 2025.

United States - Producer Price Index by Industry: Material Recyclers: Shredded Carbon Steel Scrap was 327.19700 Index Dec 1986=100 in August of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Producer Price Index by Industry: Material Recyclers: Shredded Carbon Steel Scrap reached a record high of 515.72400 in April of 2022 and a record low of 78.00000 in November of 2001. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for United States - Producer Price Index by Industry: Material Recyclers: Shredded Carbon Steel Scrap - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on December of 2025.

The global carbon steel market, a $975.59 billion industry in 2025, is poised for steady growth (3.58% CAGR) driven by construction, automotive, and shipbuilding. Explore market trends, leading companies, and regional insights in this comprehensive analysis.

Explore the factors influencing the pricing of carbon steel sheets, including supply and demand, raw material costs, trade policies, energy expenses, and technological advancements, to help industries make informed purchasing decisions.

United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: Other Carbon Steel Scrap was 228.88800 Index Jun 1996=100 in May of 2023, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: Other Carbon Steel Scrap reached a record high of 394.08100 in March of 2022 and a record low of 51.90000 in November of 1998. 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: Other Carbon Steel Scrap - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on December of 2025.