SSAB CEO Johnny Sjöström, who manages production sites in Europe and the United States, has so far faced only limited direct impacts from U.
S. steel tariffs, said during a conference call this week.
He emphasized that SSAB occupies an advantageous position due to significant local production in the United States. Only a limited amount of special products, especially high-strength steels for the automotive industry, are exported from the Nordic countries and shipped to North America and many other foreign countries.
Recently, "we sold several more batches of special steels in the United States, but this is not necessary," he said. "If demand in the United States decreases, the group can easily redirect supplies to Europe," Callanish heard him say during a telephone conversation.
The activities of SSAB's American division in the United States were the main reason for the improvement in the group's operating results by SEK 756 million ($86 million) in the fourth quarter of 2025, compared with SEK 486 million in the fourth quarter of 2026. The Group notes that its strong position in the US sheet metal market was a significant factor in this result.
Throughout the year, the figures decreased compared to the same period last year due to lower steel prices in the main regions of the group. Operating profit decreased by SEK 1.7 billion to SEK 6.1 billion, while revenue decreased by SEK 7.2 billion to SEK 96 billion.
The group's international presence and global customer base for its specialty products are in principle an advantage. However, the nominal values indicated in the strengthening Swedish krona are affected by the depreciating US dollar, in which most transactions are carried out.
Shipments increased slightly in all three divisions, totaling 3.29 million tons at SSAB Europe, 1.84 million tons at SSAB Americas and 1.24 million tons at SSAB Special Steels.
In the first quarter of this year, the group forecasts an increase in shipments to Europe and the production of special steels, as well as a slight increase in sales in North and South America, which saw the largest volume growth last year. Prices are expected to rise "slightly higher" than in the fourth quarter, with the exception of special steels, which are subject to different market dynamics and where price increases will take effect with a delay (see Kallanish of January 29).
Author: Christian Kel Germany
Kallanish.com
