Investments in the defense, energy and automotive sectors of Central Europe are unlikely to significantly increase prices in the spot steel market, according to the latest podcast of MEPs "The market in a matter of minutes".
The International Review of MEPs on Steel reports that recent GDP forecasts have put Poland in an advantageous position. as the fastest growing economy in the EU. According to economists' forecasts compiled by Bloomberg, the country's gross domestic product of $915 billion will increase by 3.3% in 2026 and 3.2% in 2027, which will be supported by a sharp increase in defense spending.
The positive growth prospects have emerged due to the fact that the automotive sector in the neighboring Czech Republic has provided stable demand for the region's steel mills. In September, Toyota announced plans to invest 680 million euros in the construction of a new electric vehicle production line in the country.
However, according to Chris Jackson, head of research at the European Parliament, any recovery in steel prices is likely to be moderate and gradual amid continued low demand in the spot market. Jackson, who shares the results of the European Parliament's research with editor-in-chief Tom Sharp in the new edition of the podcast "The Market in Minutes," said: "Some economic indicators give the impression that better times are ahead. GDP growth forecasts for 2026 and 2027 are over 3%, which is very encouraging.
" However, this growth is focused on several sectors.
"Naturally, special attention is being paid to defense, and we are watching developments in the Polish energy sector, where two nuclear reactors have been launched, along with growing investments in offshore wind energy.
"However, in addition to military and energy companies, companies are engaged in commercial sales and day-to-day operations.- The spot business may not bring the expected benefits to these industries."
This issue of the Central Europe podcast "The Market in Minutes" covers the following topics::
- Encouraging economic indicators defense, energy and automotive industries show promising prospects
- Weak demand in the spot market continues to constrain the recovery in steel prices
- Production growth: increased capacity utilization in the Czestochowa Mine
- Ukrainian steel exports and uncertainty caused by EU CBAM
The MEPs' podcast series "Speech at Steel" is available on all major platforms. Click on one of the links below to access the latest edition of the "Market in Minutes" program dedicated to
