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.

Steel rose to 3,197 CNY/T on August 15, 2025, up 0.28% from the previous day. Over the past month, Steel's price has risen 3.63%, and is up 11.01% 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 August of 2025.

The prices of many construction materials in the United Kingdom kept increasing in 2024, but more moderately than in previous years. There were also several building materials whose prices fell that year. One of the most extreme examples was the price of flexible plastic pipes and fittings, which rose by over ** percent that year. The price of a couple steel products fell by over ** percent that year. In late 2024, copper-based products were among the building materials with the highest price increases in the U.S.

HRC Steel fell to 826.01 USD/T on August 14, 2025, down 0.84% from the previous day. Over the past month, HRC Steel's price has fallen 6.24%, but it is still 25.15% 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.

United Kingdom ExPI: Non EU: Basic Metals (BM): Basic Iron & Steel & Of Ferro Alloy data was reported at 0.000 2005=100 in Oct 2012. This records a decrease from the previous number of 152.200 2005=100 for Sep 2012. United Kingdom ExPI: Non EU: Basic Metals (BM): Basic Iron & Steel & Of Ferro Alloy data is updated monthly, averaging 66.850 2005=100 from Jan 1996 (Median) to Oct 2012, with 202 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 167.500 2005=100 in Sep 2011 and a record low of 0.000 2005=100 in Oct 2012. United Kingdom ExPI: Non EU: Basic Metals (BM): Basic Iron & Steel & Of Ferro Alloy data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Office for National Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Kingdom – Table UK.I046: Foreign Trade Price Index: SIC 2007: 2005=100: Export Price Index: Non EU.

This statistic illustrates the monthly product cost index of basic iron, steel and ferroalloys manufactured in the United Kingdom (UK) from July 2016 to July 2018. During the months recorded here, the product cost index of basic iron, steel and ferroalloys reached a peak in July of 2018 at 120.4 points.

PPI: Inp: GS: BF: Basic Iron, Steel & Alloys data was reported at 181.700 2015=100 in Jan 2025. This stayed constant from the previous number of 181.700 2015=100 for Dec 2024. PPI: Inp: GS: BF: Basic Iron, Steel & Alloys data is updated monthly, averaging 101.300 2015=100 from Jan 1996 (Median) to Jan 2025, with 349 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 204.200 2015=100 in Jun 2022 and a record low of 68.400 2015=100 in Jul 1999. PPI: Inp: GS: BF: Basic Iron, Steel & Alloys data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Office for National Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Kingdom – Table UK.I018: Producer Price Index: SIC 2007: 2015=100: Input.

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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?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
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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 infrastru

Building materials made of steel, copper and other metals had some of the highest price growth rates in the U.S. in the first half of 2025 in comparison to the previous year. The growth rate of the cost of several construction materials was slightly lower than in late 2024. It is important to note, though, that the figures provided are Producer Price Indices, which cover production within the United States, but do not include imports or tariffs. This might matter for lumber, as Canada's wood production is normally large enough that the U.S. can import it from its neighboring country. Construction material prices in the United Kingdom Similarly to these trends in the U.S., at that time the price growth rate of construction materials in the UK were generally lower 2024 than in 2023. Nevertheless, the cost of some construction materials in the UK still rose that year, with several of those items reaching price growth rates of over **** percent. Considering that those materials make up a very big share of the costs incurred for a construction project, those developments may also have affected the average construction output price in the UK. Construction material shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic During the first years of the COVID-19 pandemic, there often were supply problems and material shortages, which created instability in the construction market. According to a survey among construction contractors, the construction materials most affected by shortages in the U.S. during most of 2021 were steel and lumber. This was also a problem on the other side of the Atlantic: The share of building construction companies experiencing shortages in Germany soared between March and June 2021, staying at high levels for over a year. Meanwhile, the shortage of material or equipment was one of the main factors limiting the building activity in France in June 2022.

LME Index fell to 4,199.90 Index Points on August 14, 2025, down 0.09% from the previous day. Over the past month, LME Index's price has risen 1.36%, and is up 6.00% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. LME Index - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on August of 2025.

Learn about the increasing demand for hot-rolled stainless steel round bars in the UK market, with projections showing a steady upward trend in consumption over the next decade.

After three years of growth, the UK hot-rolled round stainless steel market decreased by -6.9% to $880M in 2024. Overall, the total consumption indicated a moderate expansion from 2012 to 2024: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.9% over the last twelve-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Hot-rolled round stainless steel consumption peaked at $945M in 2023, and then dropped in the following year.

United Kingdom Import Price Index: BoP: MM: Iron & Steel data was reported at 107.000 2013=100 in Jul 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 104.000 2013=100 for Jun 2017. United Kingdom Import Price Index: BoP: MM: Iron & Steel data is updated monthly, averaging 77.000 2013=100 from Jan 1998 (Median) to Jul 2017, with 235 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 116.000 2013=100 in Jul 2011 and a record low of 38.000 2013=100 in Feb 1999. United Kingdom Import Price Index: BoP: MM: Iron & Steel data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Office for National Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s UK – Table UK.I034: Foreign Trade Price Index: 2013=100: By Commodity. Rebased from 2013=100 to 2015=100 Replacement series ID: 391900717

European Union PPI: Do: EU 27 excl UK: Mfg: BF: BM: Iron & Steel data was reported at 98.400 2021=100 in Jan 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 98.800 2021=100 for Dec 2024. European Union PPI: Do: EU 27 excl UK: Mfg: BF: BM: Iron & Steel data is updated monthly, averaging 72.100 2021=100 from Jan 2000 (Median) to Jan 2025, with 301 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 145.900 2021=100 in May 2022 and a record low of 42.500 2021=100 in Feb 2002. European Union PPI: Do: EU 27 excl UK: Mfg: BF: BM: Iron & Steel data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Eurostat. The data is categorized under Global Database’s European Union – Table EU.I007: Eurostat: Producer Price Index: 2021=100: Domestic.

Iron Ore fell to 101.59 USD/T on August 15, 2025, down 0.24% from the previous day. Over the past month, Iron Ore's price has risen 4.67%, and is up 3.86% 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 August of 2025.

United Kingdom ImPI: EU: BM: Basic Iron & Steel & of Ferro-Alloys data was reported at 162.700 2005=100 in Jan 2012. This records a decrease from the previous number of 165.000 2005=100 for Dec 2011. United Kingdom ImPI: EU: BM: Basic Iron & Steel & of Ferro-Alloys data is updated monthly, averaging 72.200 2005=100 from Jan 1996 (Median) to Jan 2012, with 193 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 173.800 2005=100 in Jul 2011 and a record low of 49.300 2005=100 in Feb 1999. United Kingdom ImPI: EU: BM: Basic Iron & Steel & of Ferro-Alloys data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Office for National Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Kingdom – Table UK.I047: Foreign Trade Price Index: SIC 2007: 2005=100: Import Price Index: EU.

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Steel Rebars Market Size 2025-2029

The steel rebars market size is forecast to increase by USD 66.1 billion at a CAGR of 4.9% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing construction activities in various sectors, including residential, commercial, and infrastructure. This trend is driven by the global population growth and urbanization, leading to a surge in demand for new buildings and infrastructure projects. Moreover, innovations in steel rebars are contributing to the market's growth, with manufacturers focusing on enhancing the product's durability, strength, and corrosion resistance. However, the market faces challenges due to the fluctuation in prices of raw materials needed to manufacture steel rebars, such as iron ore and coal.
These price volatilities can impact the profitability of steel rebar manufacturers and may lead to supply chain disruptions. Companies seeking to capitalize on market opportunities and navigate challenges effectively should focus on implementing cost management strategies, exploring alternative raw material sources, and investing in research and development to offer innovative and sustainable steel rebar solutions.

What will be the Size of the Steel Rebars Market during the forecast period?

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The steel rebar market continues to evolve, driven by the dynamic interplay of various factors. Applications in civil and structural engineering sectors remain a significant market driver, with infrastructure development and construction projects requiring large quantities of reinforcement bars for concrete structures. The ongoing unfolding of market activities is marked by advancements in rebar production techniques, such as hot and cold rolling, as well as the development of new steel grades and standards. Rebar diameters and lengths are continually being optimized for various applications, from high-rise buildings to residential construction. Seismic resistance and fire resistance are increasingly important considerations, leading to the adoption of new standards and technologies, such as epoxy and galvanized coatings.
Rebar testing and inspection play a crucial role in ensuring structural integrity, with the importance of quality control and certification growing. The supply chain, from steel mills to rebar distributors and fabricators, is undergoing continuous transformation, with advancements in logistics and technology streamlining the process. Green building initiatives are also influencing market dynamics, with an increasing focus on sustainable and eco-friendly construction materials. Precast concrete and prestressed concrete are gaining popularity due to their environmental benefits and improved mechanical properties. The market's continuous evolution is further underscored by advancements in rebar bending and cutting technologies, as well as the emergence of new applications, such as rebar spacing and rebar placement automation.
Overall, the steel rebar market is a vibrant and dynamic space, characterized by ongoing innovation and adaptation to changing market conditions.

How is this Steel Rebars Industry segmented?

The steel rebars 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

  Deformed
  Mild


Application

  Residential
  Commercial
  Public infrastructure


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    UK


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Type Insights

The deformed segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

Deformed steel rebars, identified by their raised patterns like lugs, ribs, or indentations, are essential building materials for constructing infrastructure with high strength and durability. These rebars are commonly used in the construction of buildings, bridges, highways, dams, and other structures where structural integrity is paramount. The increasing urbanization in developing countries, particularly in Asia and Africa, drives the demand for new infrastructure and housing projects, leading to a significant increase in the need for deformed steel rebars. Additionally, investments in infrastructure projects such as transportation networks, bridges, and dams create high demand for high-performance reinforcement materials. BS and ASTM standards regulate the production and quality of deformed steel rebars in the US, ensuring their mechanical properties meet specifications.

Steel mills and rolling mills manufacture these rebars using hot or cold rolling processes. Rebar lengths, diameters, and grades vary depending on the application and project requirements. Yield and tensile stren

Copper fell to 4.47 USD/Lbs on August 15, 2025, down 0.04% from the previous day. Over the past month, Copper's price has fallen 18.53%, but it is still 7.91% higher than a year ago, 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 August of 2025.

United Kingdom ImPI: Non EU: BM: Basic iron & Steel & Of Ferro-alloys data was reported at 119.100 2010=100 in Oct 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 119.200 2010=100 for Sep 2018. United Kingdom ImPI: Non EU: BM: Basic iron & Steel & Of Ferro-alloys data is updated monthly, averaging 68.850 2010=100 from Jan 1996 (Median) to Oct 2018, with 274 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 122.800 2010=100 in Jun 2018 and a record low of 26.400 2010=100 in Jan 1999. United Kingdom ImPI: Non EU: BM: Basic iron & Steel & Of Ferro-alloys data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Office for National Statistics. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United Kingdom – Table UK.I044: Foreign Trade Price Index: SIC 2007: 2010=100: Import Price Index: Non EU.

The UK steel market is expected to see an upward consumption trend over the next decade, driven by rising demand for raw steel and steel semi-finished products. By 2035, the market volume is projected to reach 6.3M tons, with a value of $12.8B in nominal prices.