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.

United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: Iron and Steel Scrap (DISCONTINUED) was 569.09700 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: Iron and Steel Scrap (DISCONTINUED) reached a record high of 827.19300 in November of 2021 and a record low of 64.60000 in January of 1973. 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: Iron and Steel Scrap (DISCONTINUED) - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on December of 2025.

The annual producer price index of nonferrous scrap in the United States averaged ***** in 2023, with 1982 used as the base year (1982 = 100). This represented a **** decrease in comparison to 2021, which saw a record-high price index, at *****.

United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: Carbon Steel Scrap (DISCONTINUED) was 528.19700 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 (DISCONTINUED) reached a record high of 762.10900 in November of 2021 and a record low of 109.40000 in January of 2002. 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 (DISCONTINUED) - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on November of 2025.

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.

View monthly updates and historical trends for All Metals Price Index. Source: International Monetary Fund. Track economic data with YCharts analytics.

Graph and download economic data for Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: Solids and Clippings, New Aluminum Base Scrap (WPU10230201) from Dec 1986 to Nov 2021 about aluminum, metals, new, commodities, PPI, inflation, price index, indexes, price, and USA.

Gold and silver prices increased over the course of 2021, but these did not grow as fast as the prices of iridium and, especially, rhodium. According to a comparison of price indices, the price for rhodium - a precious metal similar to platinum and used especially in catalytic converters of cars - was ten times higher in April 2021 than it was in January 2019. The price hike for rhodium was apparently caused by coronavirus-related lockdowns implemented in South Africa, where mining companies had to close for several weeks.

Snapshot img

Stainless Steel Market Size 2023-2027

The stainless steel market size is forecasted to increase by 10,299.64 thousand tons at a CAGR of 3.38% between 2022 and 2027. Market growth relies on various factors, notably the increased consumption of high-strength stainless steel, propelled by its corrosion resistance and excellent mechanical properties. Additionally, economic expansion in China and India contributes significantly to market growth. As these nations continue to develop industrially and infrastructurally, the demand for stainless steel, particularly for construction and manufacturing applications, is expected to rise. This confluence of factors positions the market for substantial growth in the foreseeable future. Furthermore, the stainless steel market analysis report includes historic market data from 2017 to 2021. The stainless steel market forecast indicates robust expansion, driven by increasing demand for steel across various industries. The stainless steel market size growth is propelled by advancements in production technologies and the rise of sustainable manufacturing practices. Current stainless steel market trends show a surge in applications, particularly in construction and automotive sectors, underscoring its vital role in modern infrastructure.

What will be the Size of the Stainless Steel Market During the Forecast Period?

To learn more about this stainless steel market report, Download Report Sample

Stainless Steel Market Segmentation

The stainless steel market research report provides comprehensive data (region wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD Million' for the period 2023 to 2027, as well as historical data from 2017 to 2021 for the following segments

End-user Outlook 

  Metal products
  Mechanical engineering
  Automobile and transportation
  Infrastructure and construction
  Electrical engineering





Product Outlook

  Flat
  Long





Region Outlook

  North America

    The US
    Canada


  Europe

    The UK
    Germany
    France
    Rest of Europe


  APAC

    China
    India


  Middle East and Africa

    Saudi Arabia
    South Africa
    Rest of the Middle East and Africa


  South America

    Argentina
    Brazil
    Chile

By End-user

The market share growth by the metal products segment will be significant during the forecast period. The use of stainless steel in metal products provides an aesthetic appeal, extensive textures, strength, functionality, corrosion resistance properties, and ease of cleaning properties such products, driving the growth of steel manufacturing. The demand for stainless steel for manufacturing metal products is high due to its ease of fabrication and mechanical properties.

Get a glance at the market contribution of various segments. Request PDF Sample

The metal products segment showed a gradual increase in the market share of 20,426.71 thousand t in 2017. Stainless steel is used in jewelry, belt buckles, clips, casings, watch straps and backs, cooker hoods, outdoor kitchen cabinets, worktops, drainers, sinks, and others. It is also used in kitchen vessels due to its hygiene properties, durability, and resilience to food discoloration and spoilage. The shift in consumer preference toward hygienic and easy-to-clean products is likely to increase the demand for stainless steel in metal products during the forecast period.

By Region

For more insights on the market share of various regions, Request PDF Sample now!

APAC is estimated to account for 76% of 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. APAC has some of the largest stainless steel-producing countries in the world, such as China, Japan, South Korea, and India. China was the largest producer and consumer of stainless steel in 2020. Manufacturers are shifting to the consumption of scrap steel and stainless steel as raw materials to reduce pollution as well as manufacturing costs. These factors will drive the growth of the market in APAC during the forecast period.

Stainless Steel Market Dynamics

The market plays a vital role across various sectors, including residential housing, building & construction, railways, and automotive & transportation. Its resistance to corrosion surpasses that of carbon steel, making it a preferred choice. Renowned companies like Jindal Steel and Daido Steel contribute to its production capacities. Stainless steel finds applications in diverse architectural elements such as railings, roofing, and staircases, offering both pliability and appealing aesthetic properties. Moreover, it serves industrial needs like heat exchangers and tubulars, alongside providing swimming pool shades, canopies, and atriums with durability and low maintenance cost during repair and renovation. The stainless ste

In 2024, iron ore was worth an average of approximately *** U.S. dollars per dry metric ton unit (dmtu), compared to only ** U.S. dollars per dmtu in 2000. The month with the highest average iron ore price in 2021 was June, at over *** U.S. dollars per dmtu. Iron ore: market context and price fluctuation Iron ore is composed of minerals and rocks from which metallic iron can be extracted. Iron ore is an important part of the world economy, as a large proportion of iron ore is used to make steel, which is a widely used material globally. In a given year, the monthly price of iron ore varies noticeably, ranging for example from a high of ****** U.S. dollars per dmtu in June 2021 down to a low of ***** U.S. dollars per dmtu in November 2021. Major iron ore producing nations Australia has the world's largest iron ore reserves, at ** billion metric tons of crude iron ore and is also the world's largest producer of iron ore. Not surprisingly, China, the world's leading steel manufacturer, is also the world's leading importer of iron. In recent years, China's iron imports have increased significantly, from ****** million metric tons in 2004, to over *** billion metric tons in 2018.

Aluminum fell to 2,884.05 USD/T on December 2, 2025, down 0.29% from the previous day. Over the past month, Aluminum's price has fallen 0.99%, but it is still 10.42% higher than a year ago, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Aluminum - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on December of 2025.

United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: Solids and Clippings, New Aluminum Base Scrap was 277.42300 Index Dec 1986=100 in November of 2021, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, United States - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Metals and Metal Products: Solids and Clippings, New Aluminum Base Scrap reached a record high of 306.60000 in August of 2021 and a record low of 96.60000 in November of 1993. 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: Solids and Clippings, New Aluminum Base Scrap - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on November of 2025.

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.

View monthly updates and historical trends for Aluminum Price. Source: World Bank. Track economic data with YCharts analytics.

The average price of aluminum has fluctuated in recent years, and since 2020 it has increased significantly. In 2024, the average price of the metal was 2,419 U.S. dollars per metric ton, compared to 1,704 U.S. dollars in 2020.

Japan ImPI: CCB: MRP: Non-Ferrous Metal Scrap (NFMS) data was reported at 133.400 2020=100 in Feb 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 129.100 2020=100 for Jan 2025. Japan ImPI: CCB: MRP: Non-Ferrous Metal Scrap (NFMS) data is updated monthly, averaging 128.250 2020=100 from Jan 2020 (Median) to Feb 2025, with 62 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 152.900 2020=100 in May 2021 and a record low of 83.400 2020=100 in Apr 2020. Japan ImPI: CCB: MRP: Non-Ferrous Metal Scrap (NFMS) data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Bank of Japan. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Japan – Table JP.I192: Import Price Index: 2020=100: Contract Currency Basis: Metals & Related Products.

Copper rose to 5.19 USD/Lbs on December 2, 2025, up 0.35% from the previous day. Over the past month, Copper's price has risen 3.22%, and is up 25.36% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Copper - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on December of 2025.

Iron Ore rose to 106.94 USD/T on December 1, 2025, up 2.00% from the previous day. Over the past month, Iron Ore's price has risen 1.04%, and is up 1.54% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. Iron Ore - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on December of 2025.

In Terms of Revenue, The Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) Steelmaking market was the leading Application with 37.68% Share of total Global Hot Briquetted Iron HBI Market in 2021.

In Terms of Revenue, Gas was the Leading Process with 64.09% Share of total Hot Briquetted Iron HBI Market in 2021.

In Terms of Revenue, The North America market was dominating region with 43.19% Share of total Global Hot Briquetted Iron HBI Market in 2021. The increase in the usage of hot briquetted iron in iron-making applications is the major driving factor for the growth of the hot briquetted iron market. HBI is a modern charge material for use in combination with scrap or it can be used as an addition to blast furnaces in ironmaking applications. Furthermore, the rising number of furnace steel mills across the world is anticipated to propel the demand for HBI during the forecast period. For example, the global steelmaking market produced around 1.85 billion tonnes of crude steel in 2019. The iron and steel industry is economically important and most countries considered it as one of national strategic importance. However, less awareness about the product may act as a restraining factor for this market. Environment-friendly production technologies in steel manufacturing will create enormous opportunities for the global hot-briquetted iron market during the forecast period. Increasing the use of iron briquettes in steel mills around the world to reduce global emissions in the iron and steel industry is projected to create a global market of around 39.76 million tonnes of iron briquettes over the next few years.

Market Dynamics of Hot Briquetted Iron HBI Market

Key Drivers for Hot Briquetted Iron HBI Market

Decarbonization Push in the Steel Industry: Because HBI has a lower carbon footprint than conventional blast furnace inputs, it is a preferred raw material as the global steel industry faces mounting pressure to cut carbon emissions. The sustainability objectives of significant steelmakers are in line with its compatibility with electric arc furnaces (EAFs), which emit less carbon. Growing Adoption of Electric Arc Furnaces (EAFs): As steel production moves away from blast furnaces and toward EAF-based methods, particularly in developed areas, demand for HBI is increasing because it provides a reliable and high-quality iron input for EAFs. Because of its greater density and metallization, it is a dependable feedstock for preserving productivity and output quality in settings with limited scrap.

Worldwide Scrap Scarcity and Quality Issues: Steelmakers are using HBI as a scrap alternative as a result of the shortage of high-quality ferrous scrap in important markets. Particularly in areas where scrap import restrictions or supply quality variations exist, its chemical homogeneity and low impurity levels guarantee steady operation and consistent product quality.

Key Restraints for Hot Briquetted Iron HBI Market

High Capital Costs and Infrastructure Needs: Setting up HBI production facilities requires a significant financial outlay for briquetting lines, sophisticated reduction reactors, and dependable logistics. This restricts production expansion in developing nations with inadequate infrastructure and financial support and makes market entry challenging. Price volatility for raw materials: Because of market and geopolitical factors, the prices of iron ore and natural gas, which are the main inputs for HBI, are subject to swings. These price fluctuations have the potential to have a major effect on profitability and may deter both producers and consumers from entering into long-term agreements or expanding.

Logistics and Handling Difficulties: HBI still needs strong port, rail, or shipping logistics for effective transportation, even with its small size and safety advantages over DRI. The additional handling and storage requirements can raise costs and deter adoption in areas with inadequate transportation infrastructure.

Key Trends for Hot Briquetted Iron HBI Market

Integration of HBI into Green Steel Initiatives: HBI is being incorporated into green steel production processes as nations and businesses make commitments to become carbon neutral. A long-term trend toward sustainable steel inputs is indicated by the growing integration of HBI with hydrogen-based direct reduction in projects in the Middle East and Europe. Regional Expansion and Capacity Additions: To...

In May 2024, iron ore was valued at approximately *** U.S. dollars per dry metric ton unit (dmtu), as compared to *** U.S. dollars per dmtu in the same month of the previous year. Iron ore prices and production Iron ore refers to the minerals and rocks from which metallic iron is economically viable to extract. Pig iron, which is one of the raw materials used in steel production, is derived from iron ore. The price of iron ore has fluctuated a great deal over the last twenty years. In 2003, one dmtu of iron ore cost ** U.S. dollars, and increased to a high of *** U.S. dollars per dmtu in 2011. The price saw dramatic drops in the past decade, from ****** U.S. dollars per dry metric ton unit in March 2013 to ***** U.S. dollars per dmtu in December 2015. Since then, the price has increased gradually to ****** U.S. dollars per dmtu as of July 2021, before dropping sharply in August 2021. Iron ore producers Overall, the global production of iron ore did not decrease when the prices dropped. In fact, an increase in production among several of the world's largest iron ore producing countries was observed in the past five years. Australia produced *** million metric tons of iron ore in 2023. China is also among the world's largest iron ore producers, though its production is calculated differently than in other countries. Based primarily on the production of raw ore rather than usable ore, China produced an estimated *** million metric tons in 2023.