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.

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.

China Settlement Price: Shanghai Future Exchange: Steel Rebar: 2nd M data was reported at 2,992.000 RMB/Ton in Nov 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 3,009.000 RMB/Ton for Oct 2025. China Settlement Price: Shanghai Future Exchange: Steel Rebar: 2nd M data is updated monthly, averaging 3,789.000 RMB/Ton from Mar 2009 (Median) to Nov 2025, with 201 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 5,835.000 RMB/Ton in Sep 2021 and a record low of 1,687.000 RMB/Ton in Nov 2015. China Settlement Price: Shanghai Future Exchange: Steel Rebar: 2nd M data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Shanghai Futures Exchange. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Financial Market – Table CN.ZB: Shanghai Futures Exchange: Commodity Futures: Settlement Price.

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 (usa) price data (US$/mt): historical series and analyst forecasts curated by FocusEconomics.

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.

Explore the intricate world of steel commodity trading, a vital component of the global steel industry, where producers, distributors, and consumers navigate price risks and market dynamics. Learn about the role of futures and options contracts, the impact of economic factors, and the evolving focus on sustainability in this comprehensive guide.

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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

Commodity Index: Multi Commodity Exchange of India: Future Price: Metal data was reported at 5,092.260 2001=1000 in 10 Dec 2018. This records an increase from the previous number of 5,053.790 2001=1000 for 07 Dec 2018. Commodity Index: Multi Commodity Exchange of India: Future Price: Metal data is updated daily, averaging 4,242.070 2001=1000 from Jun 2005 (Median) to 10 Dec 2018, with 3904 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 5,741.310 2001=1000 in 03 Sep 2013 and a record low of 1,466.410 2001=1000 in 04 Jul 2005. Commodity Index: Multi Commodity Exchange of India: Future Price: Metal data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Multi Commodity Exchange of India. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Financial Market – Table IN.ZF004: Commodity Index.

Explore the dynamics of iron ore price futures, their role in the global steel production industry, and the key factors influencing prices, including demand from China, global economic trends, currency fluctuations, and environmental regulations.

China Settlement Price: Shanghai Future Exchange: Steel Wire Rod: 4th M data was reported at 3,470.000 RMB/Ton in Apr 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 3,546.000 RMB/Ton for Mar 2025. China Settlement Price: Shanghai Future Exchange: Steel Wire Rod: 4th M data is updated monthly, averaging 3,855.000 RMB/Ton from Mar 2009 (Median) to Apr 2025, with 193 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 6,592.000 RMB/Ton in Sep 2021 and a record low of 1,830.000 RMB/Ton in Nov 2015. China Settlement Price: Shanghai Future Exchange: Steel Wire Rod: 4th M data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Shanghai Futures Exchange. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Financial Market – Table CN.ZB: Shanghai Futures Exchange: Commodity Futures: Settlement Price.

The global steel market, a $1.3 trillion industry, faces a period of slow growth (-1% CAGR). This in-depth analysis explores market trends, challenges (rising costs, environmental regulations), and key players like ArcelorMittal and China Baowu. Discover insights into future projections and the strategic adaptations shaping the industry's future.

Explore the factors influencing steel prices, including market dynamics, geopolitical tensions, and raw material costs, and understand how industries manage price volatility through strategies like futures contracts.

Explore the factors influencing steel prices, including supply, demand, production costs, and geopolitical events. Understand the historical trends and the impact of COVID-19 on the steel market, providing insights for anticipating future price movements. Stay informed with current market reports for the latest updates.

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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

China Settlement Price: Shanghai Future Exchange: Steel Wire Rod: 1st M data was reported at 3,364.000 RMB/Ton in Nov 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 3,100.000 RMB/Ton for Oct 2025. China Settlement Price: Shanghai Future Exchange: Steel Wire Rod: 1st M data is updated monthly, averaging 2,953.000 RMB/Ton from Mar 2009 (Median) to Nov 2025, with 200 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 6,595.000 RMB/Ton in Oct 2021 and a record low of 1,791.000 RMB/Ton in Dec 2015. China Settlement Price: Shanghai Future Exchange: Steel Wire Rod: 1st M data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Shanghai Futures Exchange. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Financial Market – Table CN.ZB: Shanghai Futures Exchange: Commodity Futures: Settlement Price.

China Settlement Price: Shanghai Future Exchange: Steel Rebar: 5th M data was reported at 3,069.000 RMB/Ton in Nov 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 3,119.000 RMB/Ton for Oct 2025. China Settlement Price: Shanghai Future Exchange: Steel Rebar: 5th M data is updated monthly, averaging 3,570.000 RMB/Ton from Mar 2009 (Median) to Nov 2025, with 201 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 5,731.000 RMB/Ton in Jul 2021 and a record low of 1,606.000 RMB/Ton in Nov 2015. China Settlement Price: Shanghai Future Exchange: Steel Rebar: 5th M data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Shanghai Futures Exchange. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Financial Market – Table CN.ZB: Shanghai Futures Exchange: Commodity Futures: Settlement Price.

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.

Explore how various market and economic factors affect stainless steel prices, examining historical trends and future influences using price graphs that reflect global demand, raw material costs, and geopolitical impacts.

Explore the factors influencing steel building prices, including global demand, supply chain issues, environmental regulations, and technological advancements. Learn about the potential fluctuations in steel prices and how these elements impact the construction and real estate sectors.