Steel rose to 3,046 CNY/T on September 12, 2025, up 0.79% from the previous day. Over the past month, Steel's price has fallen 5.29%, but it is still 0.30% higher 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 September 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.

HRC Steel fell to 804.08 USD/T on September 11, 2025, down 0.11% from the previous day. Over the past month, HRC Steel's price has fallen 3.59%, but it is still 15.20% 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.

Nucor and Gerdau, leaders in the US steel industry, announce significant price hikes due to rising raw material costs, impacting rebar and hot rolled coil prices.

This report uses the producer price index for steel mill products, averaging the growth in price for various types of steel, including bars, sheets, strips, plates and wires, of the hot-rolled and cold-rolled varieties. The index has a base year of 1982. Data is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and is presented as the equally weighted average of monthly figures.

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 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?

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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 infrastructure.

The

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

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.

The global steel market, valued at $1,329,590 million in 2025, is projected to experience minimal growth over the forecast period (2025-2033), reflecting a CAGR of -1%. This stagnation, despite the continued demand from construction and infrastructure development globally, is primarily attributed to several factors. Increased production costs due to rising energy prices and raw material scarcity are impacting profitability, leading to cautious production expansions. Furthermore, growing environmental concerns and stricter regulations surrounding carbon emissions are forcing steel manufacturers to invest heavily in sustainable production methods, further affecting short-term growth. The competitive landscape is dominated by large integrated steel mills like China Baowu Group, ArcelorMittal, and Nippon Steel Corporation, who are strategically focusing on technological advancements and diversification into value-added products to mitigate the impact of slow growth. Regional variations are expected, with emerging economies potentially showing more dynamic growth than mature markets facing economic slowdown. The shift towards more sustainable steel production, including the adoption of electric arc furnaces and increased recycling, will likely influence the long-term outlook and redefine market dynamics. The relatively flat growth trajectory highlights the need for strategic adaptation within the industry. While infrastructure projects continue to fuel demand, the price sensitivity of steel and the increasing regulatory pressures necessitate a shift towards higher-value products and sustainable manufacturing processes. Key players are actively pursuing mergers and acquisitions, technological innovations (such as hydrogen-based steelmaking), and partnerships to improve efficiency and gain a competitive edge in a slowing market. The long-term success in the steel sector will hinge on the ability of companies to successfully navigate these challenges and embrace sustainable and technologically advanced solutions. Further analysis of regional data and specific segment performance would provide more granular insights into the market's future trajectory.

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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?

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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.

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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

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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

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

Europe's steel producers are signaling price increases for hot-rolled coil. Market optimism and extended CO2 emissions deadlines support this trend, with prices expected to rise due to higher raw material costs.

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The high strength steel market share is expected to increase by USD 14.51 million from 2019 to 2024, and the market’s growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 10.14%

This high strength steel market research report provides valuable insights on the post COVID-19 impact on the market, which will help companies evaluate their business approaches. Furthermore, this report extensively covers high strength steel market segmentation by application (automotive, construction, aviation, and others) and geography (APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and MEA). The high strength steel market report also offers information on several market vendors, including ArcelorMittal SA, Essar Steel India Ltd., HBIS Group Co. Ltd., Hyundai Steel Co., JSW STEEL Ltd., Nippon Steel Corp., Nucor Corp., POSCO, Tata Steel Ltd., and United States Steel Corp. among others.

What will the High Strength Steel Market Size be During the Forecast Period?

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High Strength Steel Market: Key Drivers, Trends, and Challenges

Based on our research output, there has been a neutral impact on the market growth during and post COVID-19 era. The growing demand for high strength steel in the automobile industry is notably driving the high-strength steel market growth, although factors such as the volatile prices of raw materials may impede the market growth. Our research analysts have studied the historical data and deduced the key market drivers and the COVID-19 pandemic impact on the high strength steel industry. The holistic analysis of the drivers will help in deducing end goals and refining marketing strategies to gain a competitive edge.

Key High Strength Steel Market Driver

The growing demand for high-quality automobile components is one of the major factors driving the market growth. Because of the performance of high-strength steel in comparison to low and mild-strength steel, automotive manufacturers mainly prefer high-strength steel over mild-strength steel for manufacturing vehicle components that find applications for indoor beams, chassis, bumpers, and cross-members and seating. With the increasing growth of the automotive industry, this demand for manufacturing high-quality components will significantly fuel the growth of the high-strength steel market.

Key High Strength Steel Market Trend

The rising demand in the wind energy sector is another factor supporting the high-strength steel market growth. The demand for renewable energy is growing with the rise in environmental concerns. The wind energy sector is growing with the increasing establishment of wind turbines and is expected to surpass other sources of renewable power generation. The rising global demand for wind energy for the generation of electricity has increased the demand for more installation of wind turbines. The components of wind turbines require high-strength materials for better performance and extended service life. AHSS is used in manufacturing different parts of turbines, including towers, gearboxes, and motor houses. Therefore, the increasing installation of wind turbines will drive the demand for high-strength steel.

Key High Strength Steel Market Challenge

The volatile prices of raw materials will be a major challenge for the high-strength steel market during the forecast period. In the past few years, the prices of iron ore witnessed major fluctuations, which has affected the prices of crude steel and finished steel products. Although the demand for steel is increasing in the automotive, construction, marine, aviation, and other industries, the fluctuating prices of raw materials are hampering the growth of the steel market. The fluctuating prices of iron ore are attributed to the mining disruptions in Australia and Brazil. The disruptions have also reduced the steel import rate in China as the shipments from both Australia and Brazil have decreased significantly. In addition, owing to revised environmental policies, China is expected to restrict its steel production, which will increase the prices of iron ore and steel. Therefore, the increase in the prices of steel is expected to limit the growth of the global AHSS market during the forecast period.

This high-strength steel market analysis report also provides detailed information on other upcoming trends and challenges that will have a far-reaching effect on the market growth. The actionable insights on the trends and challenges will help companies evaluate and develop growth strategies for 2021-2025.

Parent Market Analysis

Technavio categorizes the global high-strength steel market as a part of the global steel market. Our research report has extensively covered external factors influencing the parent market growth potential in the coming years, which will determine the levels of growth of the high-strength

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

Nucor Corporation raises hot-rolled coil prices for the fourth time in 2025, setting the new base at $820 per short tonne, reflecting dynamic market trends and trade policy influences.

The global steel market, valued at approximately $908.68 billion in 2025, is projected to experience steady growth, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.8% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is fueled by several key drivers. Increased infrastructure development, particularly in emerging economies, necessitates substantial steel consumption for construction projects like bridges, buildings, and transportation networks. The burgeoning automotive industry, with its continuous demand for high-strength steel in vehicle manufacturing, further bolsters market expansion. Furthermore, the renewable energy sector's reliance on steel for wind turbine construction and solar panel infrastructure contributes significantly to market demand. However, fluctuations in raw material prices, particularly iron ore and coking coal, represent a significant challenge. Environmental regulations aimed at reducing carbon emissions from steel production also present restraints, potentially impacting production costs and profitability. While the market faces these challenges, technological advancements in steel production, such as the adoption of more efficient and environmentally friendly processes, are mitigating some of these concerns. The market is segmented by various steel types (e.g., carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel), application areas (e.g., construction, automotive, energy), and geographical regions. Major players like ArcelorMittal, Nippon Steel, and Baowu Steel Group dominate the market landscape, engaging in intense competition through technological innovation, cost optimization, and strategic acquisitions. The forecast period anticipates a steady rise in market size, driven by consistent global infrastructure investment and continued industrialization in developing nations. The competitive landscape is characterized by both large multinational corporations and regional players. The leading companies are constantly seeking to optimize production efficiency, diversify their product portfolio to cater to specific industry demands, and expand their geographic reach. Strategic mergers and acquisitions are prevalent, reflecting the consolidation trend within the industry. The global nature of the market necessitates navigating varying regulatory landscapes and economic conditions across different regions. Effective supply chain management, and technological advancements are crucial for companies to maintain competitiveness and profitability in the long term. Maintaining a sustainable approach to production, minimizing environmental impact, and adapting to shifting global economic conditions will be critical factors in determining success in this dynamic market.

The Wholesale Price Index of semi finished stainless steel across India during financial year 2024 was around ***. The price index of stainless steel increased by about ** percent from the base financial year of 2012. A huge increase in the index value of the stainless steel was seen in 2022.

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

Track mild steel price trends with monthly, quarterly, and yearly data for 2024–2025. Get accurate forecasts, regional price updates, and key market insights to stay ahead with Nexizo.