Stainless Steel Manufacturers
In Europe, improved financial results for the first half of 2026 were reported, due more to the introduction of tough new trade protection measures than to any improvement in demand.
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Acerinox and Outokumpu, in particular, noted the high level of sales of their companies in the United States. However, recently published results reports from manufacturers have noted an improvement in financial performance in Europe.
In its reports for the first half of the year, Acerinox emphasized that the impact of CBAM taxes and new trade protection measures in the EU contributed to a significant reduction in stainless steel imports during the reporting period. ISSB data for this period shows that imports of finished stainless steel products decreased by 37% year-on-year.
Despite the apparent decline in demand for stainless steel in Europe, which, according to Acerinox, was about 3% year-on-year, prices rose amid expectations of supply cuts. As buyers prepared for the reduction of tariff quotas and the introduction of new tariffs, 50% higher than quotas in the EU and the United Kingdom, the average prices in Europe for 304 cold-rolled steel increased by 5.7% year-on-year, reaching an average of 2,568 euros per ton in the first half of the year. 2026. Stable supplies
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,The results of the first half of the year showed that the supply volume of Outokumpu stainless steel, which amounted to about 953,000 tons, remained unchanged compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, production at the Acerinox smelter increased by just 2% to 1.32 million tons, while Aperam shipments increased by about 5% to 1.22 million tons. However, increased profit margins and reduced import competition have provided improved results and more positive prospects for all three producers.
In general, Acerinox Group made a net profit of 77 million euros in the first half of this year. This was a turning point compared to the loss of 18 million euros in the same year. The period until 2025. EBITDA increased by 27% year-on-year to 271 million euros. Sales of the stainless steel division increased by 14.3% to 1.23 billion euros in the second quarter, while EBITDA almost doubled to 154 million euros.
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- This article first appeared in the August issue of the MEPS International Stainless Steel Report . The publication provides information on market conditions, stainless steel prices, indices and forecasts in key markets in Europe, Asia and North America . Contact MEPs. . for detailed information on how to subscribe.
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