Imports of slabs to the EU increased sharply in 2025, while Russia's share decreased

Imports of slabs to the EU under HS code 720712 rose to 6,464,980 tons in 2025, up 30% from 4,964,912 tons in 2024, according to Eurostat data controlled by Callanish.

Some market participants attribute the increase in slab imports to the tightening of EU trade measures regarding finished steel.

Although Russian volumes increased compared to the previous year, their share decreased overall, and exports grew at a faster pace, helped by China, Brazil, and some countries in the Middle East and North Africa, as well as countries of Asian origin.

Russia supplied 3,725,781 tons last year, an increase of 18% compared to the same period last year, but its share decreased to 58% from 63% in 2024.

China strengthened its position with 745,898 tons, an increase of 61% compared to the same period last year and increasing its share from 9% to 12% from 9%.

Brazil has more than doubled shipments to 669,434 tons, up 114%, taking a 10% share compared to 6% in 2024.

Vietnam supplied 598,564 tons, which is 21% more, although its share decreased to 9% from 9%.10%.

Among developing suppliers, Algeria entered the market with 208,287 tons, which is 3%.

Saudi Arabia and South Korea recorded the sharpest percentage increases, rising by 609% to 106,123 tons and 806% to 104,928 tons, respectively, each taking a 2% share.

Turkey supplied 110,605 tons, which is 13% more than in the same period last year, while maintaining a 2% share.

Shipments to the United States increased by 12% to 28,102 tons, although their share remained insignificant.

On the contrary, volumes in Indonesia fell by 54% to 66,469 tons, while in India they decreased by 78% to 23,240 tons, and in Ukraine they fell by 65% to 21,028 tons.

No shipments were recorded in South Africa, compared to 28,160 tons in 2024.

Import of slabs to the EU (tons) Origin 2025 % Share 2024 % Share % Russia 3 725 781 58 3 152 31763 +18 China 745898 12 463922 9+61 Brazil 669 434 10 313 195 6 +114 598 564 9 494 320 10 +21 Algeria 208,287 3 – – – Turkey110 605 2 97 652 2 +13 Saudi Arabia 106 1232 14 974 0 +609 South Korea 104 928 211 581 0 +806 66 4691 143 398 3 -54 28 102 0 25 073 1 +12 India 23 2400 106.658 2 -78 Ukraine 21.028 060850 1 -65 Iran 20935 0 191140 +10 Libya 14 050 0 21 427 0-34 United Kingdom 14 002 0 87 0 +15 948 Japan 4621 0 4472 0 +3 Taiwan2871 0 7709 0 -63 – – 28 160 1 -100 Total 6 464 980 100 4 964 912 100 +30

Compiled by Kallanish on the basis of Eurostat data for HS Code 720712

In terms of consumption, Russian slabs remained central to EU demand in 2025, with flows largely concentrated in Belgium, the Czech Republic, and Denmark, while Italy provided more diversified inflows from both Russia and Asia.

Italy was the largest importer of slabs as a whole - 2,633,003 tons, which is about 41% of the total volume.

Supply inflows to the EU have been diversified: led by Russia (836