Review of global steel production and production capacities conducted by MEPs
Record shipments of Nucor steel in the first quarter, stricter rules for the replacement of steelmaking facilities in China and the transfer of British Steel to state ownership are all presented in the global steelmaking Capacity survey prepared this month by MEPs.
Articles from the May issues of the MEPS European Steel Review, International Steel Review and Stainless Steel Review provide a monthly summary of the latest developments in the steel industry from around the world.
Check out the latest issue below, or contact the MEPs for details on how to subscribe to the monthly Steel Market Surveys, which feature steel prices, market commentary, and 12-month steel price forecasts.
Europe
British Steel
The UK government has passed a law that will allow British Steel to be transferred to state ownership after unsuccessful negotiations with the owner of Jingye on the future of the Scunthorpe plant.
The legislation allows for nationalization subject to a public interest audit covering national security, critical infrastructure, and economic impacts.
The government took the plant under operational control in April 2025, using the steel industry (special measures). Take measures to prevent the closure of blast furnaces and, as a result, job losses. The move is part of the UK's broader steel production strategy, which aims to increase domestic production to 50% of domestic steel demand.
Thyssenkrupp
Thyssenkrupp and Jindal Steel International have suspended negotiations on a possible acquisition by an Indian steel producer of a stake in thyssenkrupp Steel Europe.
Thyssenkrupp reports that market conditions and the regulatory framework for European steel producers have improved significantly in recent months, helped by stricter trade protection measures and progress in restructuring the steel division.
Currently, the German group plans to continue its independent management of the metallurgical business, while simultaneously preparing it for a possible listing on the stock market.
Speciality Steel UK
The sale process to Speciality Steel UK (SSUK) entered an exclusive period after the Official Recipient identified the preferred buyer for the business.
Market sources indicate that Norwegian low-carbon steel producer Blastr is the preferred bidder for the steel company, which operates plants in Rotherham and Stocksbridge, although this has not been officially confirmed. The exclusive period is expected to last until the end of May.
SSUK announced its liquidation in August 2025 after