Steel fell to 3,021 CNY/T on September 26, 2025, down 1.82% from the previous day. Over the past month, Steel's price has fallen 2.58%, and is down 5.59% compared to the same time last year, 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.

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

In 2023, China was the leading country of origin for steel exports, exporting 94.3 million metric tons of its production. It dwarfed all other countries, including Japan, which ranked second, shipping 32.2 million metric tons of steel. The United States, which was the leading importer of steel worldwide, ranked 16th for steel exports. China is dominating the steel marketChina has the largest steel industry in the world, manufacturing more than half of all crude steel globally produced. It had substantial expansion over the last few decades and still controls most of the world's steel production. In 2023, six of the ten largest steel-producing companies were Chinese. That year, China Baowu Group produced around 130 million metric tons of crude steel, which was significantly higher than the other producers. Ansteel Group, the second-largest Chinese company, had just below 56 million metric tons of crude steel that year. Worldwide steel importsDespite being the largest steel exporter, China is also one of the leading steel-importing countries due to its high demand. In 2022, apparent steel use in China was equal to about 920.9 million tons of finished steel products. China was the leading market for steel scrap consumption in that year. The country's steel scrap consumption came to over 215.3 million metric tons.

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.

The global steel market size attained a volume of around 1738.39 MMT in 2024. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.24% between 2025 and 2034 to reach a volume of nearly 2169.48 MMT by 2034.

The growing demand in the steel market is due to the increasing infrastructure investments and expanding sectors including automotive and construction. Rising urbanization needs and an increasing need for durable materials in urban development projects have motivated the growth to a great extent. Since the automotive industry requires high-quality steel products to manufacture vehicles, it plays a significant role in steady growth. Steel usage for the production of components that are quantitatively effective is expected to be driven by the renewable energy sectors, particularly the wind and solar energy industries.

The steel sector is set to grow as global infrastructure investment rises, with a particular emphasis on developing high-performance materials in line with environmental pledges.

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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?

Download the Free Report Sample to Unlock the High Strength Steel Market Size for the Forecast Period and Other Important Statistics

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

China Steel Industry: Cost of Sales data was reported at 4,411,446.642 RMB mn in 2020. This records an increase from the previous number of 3,772,196.306 RMB mn for 2019. China Steel Industry: Cost of Sales data is updated yearly, averaging 2,008,071.665 RMB mn from Dec 1995 (Median) to 2020, with 26 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 4,411,446.642 RMB mn in 2020 and a record low of 244,975.000 RMB mn in 1996. China Steel Industry: Cost of Sales data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Metal and Steel Sector – Table CN.WAH: Steel Industry: Financial Data.

Graph and download economic data for Unit Labor Costs for Manufacturing: Iron and Steel Mills and Ferroalloy Production (NAICS 3311) in the United States (IPUEN3311U100000000) from 1987 to 2024 about ferroalloy, unit labor cost, iron, mills, steel, NAICS, IP, production, manufacturing, and USA.

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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

US iron and steel manufacturers, who are estimated to generate $108.4 billion in revenue for 2025, face a complex financial landscape after several years of fluctuating performance. While the industry has demonstrated a current period growth of 3.7% CAGR, the current year growth is estimated at 3.6%. Lower revenues in recent years were linked to depressed steel prices, caused by oversupply, sluggish demand in the construction and automotive sectors, and import competition. However, early 2025 has seen an uptick in prices driven partly by tariffs on imported steel, providing a glimmer of hope for improved earnings and profit, even as stricter EPA regulations on air quality and hazardous pollutants raise compliance costs. Characterized by a mix of large integrated producers and smaller specialized mills, the industry's structure is being reshaped by tariffs on foreign steel. While tariffs are boosting domestic manufacturers by creating a more favorable environment for domestic investment and job creation, they are also driving up costs for downstream industries such as automakers and construction firms. These tariffs, imposed to protect domestic producers, have contributed to higher US steel prices, even as manufacturers navigate increasingly stringent environmental regulations. The EPA's tougher air quality standards, targeting emissions from steelmaking processes, require costly investments in new equipment and process upgrades. As a result, the industry faces a complex landscape of trade tensions and varying profit impacts across different sectors. Looking ahead, the industry is expected to see growth stimulated by projected expansion in the domestic economy and large-scale federal infrastructure investments. Government initiatives, particularly those tied to infrastructure projects with “Buy America” provisions, are expected to bolster demand for domestically produced steel. The industry is projected to achieve a 1.7% CAGR through 2030, reaching $117.8 billion in revenue. Rising demand for green steel will also accelerate technology investments and transform production processes. Steelmakers will need to invest in expanding capacity, modernizing facilities and adopting advanced manufacturing technologies to meet anticipated demand and comply with evolving environmental standards.

China Steel Industry: Selling and Distribution Cost data was reported at 29,019.480 RMB mn in 2010. This records an increase from the previous number of 22,726.130 RMB mn for 2009. China Steel Industry: Selling and Distribution Cost data is updated yearly, averaging 7,860.300 RMB mn from Dec 1995 (Median) to 2010, with 14 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 29,132.610 RMB mn in 2007 and a record low of 2,558.000 RMB mn in 1995. China Steel Industry: Selling and Distribution Cost data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Metal and Steel Sector – Table CN.WAH: Steel Industry: Financial Data.

Graph and download economic data for Capital Costs for Manufacturing: Steel Product Manufacturing from Purchased Steel (NAICS 3312) in the United States (IPUEN3312C021000000) from 1988 to 2022 about cost, purchase, steel, NAICS, capital, IP, production, manufacturing, and USA.

This statistic shows the producer price index of steel mill products in the United States from 2006 to 2019. In 2019, the price of steel mill products appeared as *** on the index, compared to 100 in 1982.

Why did the Stainless Steel (Flat) Price Change in July 2025? The Stainless Steel (Flat) Price Index in North America registered a quarter-over-quarter decline of 5.3% in Q2 2025, reflecting a softening pricing environment driven by supply-demand imbalances and tepid downstream consumption.

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.

Germany - Producer prices in industry: Casting of steel was 130.00 points in July of 2025, according to the EUROSTAT. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for Germany - Producer prices in industry: Casting of steel - last updated from the EUROSTAT on September of 2025. Historically, Germany - Producer prices in industry: Casting of steel reached a record high of 130.60 points in April of 2025 and a record low of 28.70 points in January of 1976.

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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.

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

Imports of cast articles of iron or steel in China stood at X tons in 2017, jumping by X% against the previous year. Overall, imports of cast articles of iron or steel continue to indicate an abrupt decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2008, when it surged by X% y-o-y. In that year, the imports of cast articles of iron or steel attained its maximum volume of X tons.

This table contains 215 series, with data for years 1956 - 2013 (not all combinations necessarily have data for all years). This table contains data described by the following dimensions (Not all combinations are available): Geography (1 items: Canada ...), Commodities (215 items: Primary metal products; Iron and steel products; Primary steel products; Ferrosilicon ...).

Europe's Iron and Steel Manufacturing industry represents a key backbone of the region's industrial landscape. It's strategically interlinked with various sectors like construction, automotive, machinery and equipment manufacturers. Given steel's versatile applications, the industry's fortunes regularly swing with Europe's broader macroeconomic environment and key drivers, including raw material prices like steel, iron ore and coking coal, alongside construction and motor vehicle manufacturing activity. Profit has dwindled in the face of low steel prices and heightened environmental regulations, which have inflated costs. Over the five years through 2025, revenue is expected to rise at a compound annual rate of 7.5%. However, revenue is projected to tumble by 0.4% in 2025 to €520.6 billion. The industry has faced its share of challenges due to fluctuations in global trade, raw material prices and dented demand from key sectors like construction and motor vehicle manufacturing since 2023. High labour costs and environmental regulations have challenged European steelmakers, with some receiving government support to improve efficiency and decarbonisation efforts, like ArcelorMittal and thyssenkrupp Steel. Over the five years through 2030, revenue is forecast to grow at a compound annual rate of 4.6% to reach €652.4 billion. The industry's outlook appears to be a blend of opportunities and hurdles. Initiatives like Germany's Steel 2030 are pointing towards a green future – necessitating significant production adjustments to incorporate steel scrap and energy-efficient technologies but promising sustainability and potentially new competitive advantages. The projected improvement in Europe's construction sector should translate into a broader and more vibrant demand for iron and steel manufacturers. Anticipated advances in electric vehicles and an anticipated transformation of the European automotive sector will likely alter demand patterns, making it crucial for manufacturers to stay agile and adapt.