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.

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 Sep 2025 about steel, metals, commodities, PPI, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

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

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.

Iron and steel scrap prices in the United States stood at around *** U.S. dollars per metric ton in 2024, down from *** dollars per ton a year earlier. This is the fourth consecutive annual decrease recorded. Steel scrap consumption The majority of domestic steel industry scrap consumption is from manufacturers of raw steel, and steel castings. These raw materials are used to produce steel products that are used for appliances, construction, machinery, and transportation, among other industry uses. Only small amounts of steel scrap were used for the production of ferroalloys, copper precipitation, and the chemical industry. Recycling scrap Recycled iron and steel scrap materials have been essential for the production of new steel and cast iron products. Vehicles are one of the largest sources of old steel scrap used for recycling and nearly 100 percent of cars are recycled for their scrap material. It is expected that the recycling rate for scrap materials from appliances and construction purposes should rise, especially as public interest for recycling grows and profitability increases.

Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: Iron and Steel (WPU101) from Jan 1926 to Sep 2025 about iron, steel, metals, commodities, PPI, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: Steel Pipe and Tube, Stainless Steel (WPU10170674) from Dec 2010 to Sep 2025 about steel, metals, commodities, PPI, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

In 2024, the producer price index (PPI) for iron and steel in Japan stood at *** index points on average, decreasing from ****** points in the previous year. The lowest producer price of iron and steel within the preceding decade was in 2016, with a PPI of ***** points. What determines the price of steel products? Steelmaking requires several raw materials and plenty of energy. Japan has hardly any significant resources to satisfy either demand domestically. Therefore, the country imports iron ore and coking coal, the crucial raw materials needed to produce steel by using blast furnaces. Accordingly, the price depends on the overall energy price and a steady raw material supply – primarily from Australia. For recycling, steel scrap can be added to a certain degree within the conventional process or re-melted in electric arc furnaces. The latter process entails high electricity consumption, making recycled steel of this kind expensive. Carbon-neutral steel: a matter of price Ample carbon emissions are caused by removing excess carbon left from the carbon-based reduction of the iron oxides. Consequently, one strategy is to adjust steel plants to carbon-neutral reducing agents, such as green or blue hydrogen. Carbon capture, usage, and storage (CCUS), still in development, could offset further emissions on top.The trade-off for implementing these measures and using sustainable energy had called for a gradual transition. Ironically, the latest price increases in fossil fuels could spur ecological investments even more than the contested CO2-emission-based premium included in the petroleum and coal tax.

Graph and download economic data for Global price of Metal index (PMETAINDEXM) from Jan 1992 to Jun 2025 about metals, World, indexes, and price.

Get the latest insights on price movement and trend analysis of Stainless Steel (316) in different regions across the world (Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East Africa).

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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

Learn about the projected upward trend in the United States steel market over the next decade, driven by increasing demand for raw steel and semi-finished products. By 2035, the market volume is expected to reach 87M tons with a value of $215.3B.

Analysis of China's raw steel and steel semi-finished products market, including consumption, production, trade, and price trends from 2013-2024, with forecasts to 2035. Covers market volume, value, import/export dynamics, and key trading partners.

Analysis of the EU raw steel and semi-finished steel products market, including consumption, production, trade, and a forecast to 2035. Covers key countries, import/export trends, and price developments.

In the second quarter of financial year 2025, the cost of a 16 mm steel bar in the Indian cities of Chennai and Hyderabad reached ** Indian rupees per kilogram. However, in Delhi, the steel was slightly more affordable. Compared to the previous year, there was a noticeable increase in steel prices across all cities. The significant uptick in the cost of steel in India towards the end of 2020, was believed to be a result of China’s increased demand for Indian iron ore. Crude steel India’s crude steel production has been growing steadily, with the basic oxygen furnace (BOF) being the preferred production method. While both private and public sector companies contribute to this production, the private sector, dominates the market. JSW Steel, in particular, has the highest production capacity in India, contributing significantly to the country’s position as the world’s second-largest producer of steel. Steel consumption in India Steel consumption in India has been on a steady rise, with the country’s rapid industrialization and development in sectors such as construction, automobile, and infrastructure. This upward trend in steel consumption is estimated to persist, with an annual growth rate of **** percent in fiscal year 2024.

Discover the latest trends in the global steel market with an anticipated CAGR of +0.8% in volume and +1.3% in value from 2024 to 2035. By the end of 2035, the market volume is projected to reach 1,966M tons and the market value to hit $1,712.8B.

Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: Fabricated Steel Plate (WPU10760102) from Dec 2001 to Sep 2025 about fabrication, steel, metals, commodities, PPI, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Industry: Steel Product Manufacturing from Purchased Steel (PCU33123312) from Dec 2003 to Sep 2025 about purchase, steel, manufacturing, PPI, industry, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.