Participants in the latest podcast of the MEPs "Talking about Steel" described how the main trends in the steel industry in 2025 created a trading climate "defined by uncertainty" for many steel buyers.
The podcast discusses the key factors affecting global steel prices. Supply and demand over the past 12 months have been analyzed based on a rating compiled by researchers from steel price and insight provider. This is also reflected in the forecast for 2026.
MEPs Head of Price Analysis and Forecasts Kaye Ayoub, Head of Research Stuart Gray and Steel Market Analyst John Carruthers-Green join Tom Sharp's Executive Editor for the 45-minute 2025 Steel Market Overview episode.
Among the topics discussed in the episode, which can be accessed via YouTube and Spotify, are:
- further growth in metallurgical capacity and growth in global trade protection measures, despite lower output
- The main factors of the slowdown in economic growth in China and Europe and their impact on steel prices
- International trade uncertainty, President Trump's Article 232 tariffs and the imposition of EU emissions-based CBAM taxes
- in the Outlook for 2026 and the potential risk that could stall at any moment, market recovery
Gray told the latest episode of Speaking Steel that 2026 could bring improved terms of trade after a year of low demand and lower prices in many Asian, European and North American markets began to be assessed by MEPs.
After Ayub briefly summarized 2025 in a period of "political uncertainty," Gray expressed hope for 2026.
"I think that in terms of next year, particularly in the first six months, clarity will be one of the buzzwords," he said.
"which just gives[steel buyers]a little more certainty about their purchasing strategy."
