Finnish stainless steel producer Outokumpu said the European Union's trade measures on steel imports had supported demand from domestic producers in the region, but rising prices for raw materials, logistics and energy had limited those benefits. Outokumpu's European division reported adjusted EBITDA of 17 million euros in the second quarter of 2026, compared with a loss of 13 million euros in the first quarter. The profit for the second quarter was just over 16 million euros, recorded in the same period last year. Outokumpu chief financial officer Marc-Simon Schaar told Reuters that local steel production, supported by EU trade measures, has increased demand for scrap metal. However, lower demand from end users has led to a reduction in scrap production, while supply cuts have kept scrap prices above last year's levels . . Schaar said rising freight, vehicle and fuel transportation costs have also increased pressure on the company. In addition, government support in the amount of about 35-40 million euros per year, which helped offset the EU's costs of trading emissions quotas, was stopped. In April and May, steel imports accounted for 17% of European steel consumption, compared with 15% in the first quarter. Shaar said the share of imports may have increased further in June ahead of tougher EU trade measures that took effect on July 1. Distributors , , , D were cautious when placing orders after restocking during the first quarter. Conflicts in the Middle East and weak economic prospects were also cited as factors that continue to put pressure on demand. Outokumpu expects sales volumes to decline by up to 10% in the third quarter. The Company expects that changes in sales prices and raw material costs will offset the decrease in volumes, while adjusted EBITDA will remain broadly stable., , , ,
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, ,, Author: Editorial staff of SteelRadar
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