Steel company cuts have failed to support prices in Northern Europe
Steelmakers' production cuts are unable to support selling prices in Northern Europe amid weak demand and plentiful supply, according to analytical data published in a new issue of the MEPS podcast.
In the latest release of the MEPS program "The market in a matter of minutes," steel market analyst Stuart Gray said that manufacturers were trying to achieve a "balance" between supply and demand in the region. He added, "At the moment, we don't think it's working."
Each episode of the Market in Minutes program, part of the MEPS podcast series "Talking about Steel," is based on the results of a study of one of the steel market surveys prepared by MEPs to provide insight into trends affecting steel prices in a particular region. This issue, dedicated to Northern Europe, uses materials from the European Steel Review[/url].
The 12-minute episode "Steel Company Cuts are not contributing to Price Increases in Northern Europe" can be viewed on all major podcast platforms. Click below to view it in full.
[url=https://youtu.be/uw1Ua31KAIg] Apple Podcasts on YouTube
Spotify
Speaking to the editor-in-chief of the European Parliament, Tom Sharp, Gray said that German steel production had declined by almost 12% in the first four months of 2025. However, "high levels of steel stocks" remain in the market, and prices are still under downward pressure, he added.
This podcast, "The Market in Minutes," examines the key factors currently affecting steel prices in Northern Europe.:
- Steel companies are trying to balance supply and demand by reducing production.
- Continued price competition from cheap imports following the recent revision of EU import protection measures.
- Uncertainty among steel buyers caused by import tariffs in the United States and international trade negotiations.
- There is hope for a recovery in demand, driven by lower interest rates and promised spending by national governments on infrastructure and defense.
The European Steel Review, prepared by MEPs, regularly publishes information on the steel markets in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. The European Steel Review supplement covers Austria, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden.
Each steel market overview includes steel prices, indexes, market commentary, and forecasts. Contact the members of the European Parliament for more information and details on how to sign up.