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.

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.

Graph and download economic data for Global price of Metal index (PMETAINDEXM) from Jan 1992 to Jun 2025 about metals, World, indexes, and price.

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.

This statistic represents the projected change in global steel prices from the first quarter of 2012 to the fourth quarter of 2013. In the first quarter of 2012, global steel prices were down *** percent.

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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

This statistic shows steel scrap prices worldwide between the 2013 and 2016 calendar years, and gives a forecast through 2021. In 2018, it is expected that the price of steel scrap will come to around *** U.S. dollars per metric ton.

Global Steel Market size was valued at USD 1245.33 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 2085.37 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 2.25% from 2026 to 2032.Global Steel Market Drivers Global Economic Growth: As steel is a necessary component of many industries, including manufacturing, infrastructure, and construction, economic growth usually results in higher demand for the metal. Steel has historically been in high demand due to the robust economic expansion in emerging economies, especially in nations like China and India.Infrastructure Development: A significant amount of steel is needed for infrastructure projects like utilities, roads, bridges, railroads, and airports. The construction of infrastructure through government programmes can greatly increase the demand for steel.Urbanisation and Industrialization: The need for steel is driven by the fast-paced urbanisation and industrialization occurring in developing nations. Steel is used in the construction and manufacturing of machinery, equipment, and residential and commercial buildings.Automotive Industry: Especially for car bodywork, chassis, and other components, the automotive industry is a significant consumer of steel. The demand for steel may rise in response to increases in auto sales and manufacturing.Construction Sector: A sizeable amount of steel consumption is accounted for by construction activities, which include residential, commercial, and industrial construction. Government infrastructure expenditure, urbanisation trends, and population expansion all have an impact on demand in the building industry.Energy Sector: Pipelines, offshore platforms, and power generation facilities are just a few examples of the infrastructure in which steel is crucial. Steel consumption may be influenced by an increase in power infrastructure, oil and gas exploration, and renewable energy initiatives.

Metal and Steel Price: Delhi: Cold Rolled Coils 0.63 mm data was reported at 59,590.000 INR/Metric Ton in Nov 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 61,560.000 INR/Metric Ton for Oct 2025. Metal and Steel Price: Delhi: Cold Rolled Coils 0.63 mm data is updated monthly, averaging 50,782.000 INR/Metric Ton from Aug 2003 (Median) to Nov 2025, with 264 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 96,760.000 INR/Metric Ton in Apr 2022 and a record low of 25,300.000 INR/Metric Ton in Oct 2003. Metal and Steel Price: Delhi: Cold Rolled Coils 0.63 mm data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Joint Plant Committee. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Metal and Steel Sector – Table IN.WAC: Metal and Steel Retail Prices: New Delhi: Monthly.

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.

Monthly and long-term steel (usa) price data (US$/mt): historical series and analyst forecasts curated by FocusEconomics.

Explore the factors influencing recent fluctuations in steel prices, including global supply and demand dynamics, raw material costs, geopolitical events, and energy expenses. Understand how major producers like China impact the market and the effects of post-pandemic recovery on price volatility.

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

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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

Monthly and long-term steel (europe) price data (US$/mt): historical series and analyst forecasts curated by FocusEconomics.

The global steel market size is projected to grow from USD 27.84 billion in 2025 to USD 53.48 billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.5%.
Report Scope:

Metal and Steel Price: Delhi: Blooms 150x150 mm data was reported at 57,620.000 INR/Metric Ton in Dec 2021. This records a decrease from the previous number of 58,020.000 INR/Metric Ton for Nov 2021. Metal and Steel Price: Delhi: Blooms 150x150 mm data is updated monthly, averaging 38,840.000 INR/Metric Ton from Aug 2003 (Median) to Dec 2021, with 200 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 58,780.000 INR/Metric Ton in Oct 2021 and a record low of 17,000.000 INR/Metric Ton in Nov 2003. Metal and Steel Price: Delhi: Blooms 150x150 mm data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Joint Plant Committee. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Metal and Steel Sector – Table IN.WAC: Metal and Steel Retail Prices: New Delhi: Monthly.

Global market analysis for flat-rolled steel products, covering consumption, production, trade, and price trends from 2013-2024, with forecasts to 2035. Includes key country data and market dynamics.

The global steel market, a $908.68 billion industry in 2025, is poised for steady growth (2.8% CAGR) driven by infrastructure development and automotive demand. Explore market trends, leading players (ArcelorMittal, Nippon Steel), and future projections in this comprehensive analysis.

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.