Signs of Steel Market Bottoming Emerge! CSC Holds Flat Prices for September Monthly Pricing to Stabilize Market and Capture Restocking Opportunities

China Steel Corporation (CSC) held its monthly price meeting today (July 7) for September 2025, deciding to keep all product prices unchanged. This decision follows an assessment that the global steel market, after nearly two months of correction, is gradually finding its footing, with downstream inventories returning to healthy levels. The company anticipates rising restocking demand and aims to stabilize market sentiment while collaborating with downstream partners to secure new orders.

Steel prices show signs of bottoming after recent declines—working together with downstream partners to stabilize order intake during the adjustment phase

CSC noted that the global economy continues to develop unevenly. The U.S. economy remains resilient, sustaining moderate growth. Europe, however, faces continued pressure on manufacturing demand due to persistently high energy costs. In mainland China, steel demand recovery remains slow due to a sluggish property market and ongoing industrial restructuring. In Taiwan, strong exports from the high-tech sector continue to drive economic growth, serving as the main engine of expansion, while end-user demand in traditional industries remains relatively weak.

Regarding the steel market, CSC stated that ongoing geopolitical instability in the Middle East has kept international crude oil prices volatile at elevated levels. Iron ore prices are trading within a range of USD 90 to 100 per ton, while metallurgical coal remains around USD 210 to 220 per ton. As a result, steelmaking costs remain high.

On international steel prices, the U.S. and Europe continue to maintain high price levels due to trade barriers. U.S. hot-rolled steel prices have further increased to over USD 1,300 per ton, while European hot-rolled prices remain stable at USD 810 per ton. Meanwhile, Chinese steel mills continue to cut production to improve profitability, helping tighten supply. Although Vietnam’s Hoa Phat and Ha Tinh steel plants slightly reduced their hot-rolled prices by USD 15 to 16, the decline has clearly narrowed, indicating that international steel prices are gradually forming a base. This development is expected to stimulate restocking demand in the market.

Based on this overall market assessment, CSC has decided to hold all major product prices flat for September, including hot-rolled steel plates and coils, cold-rolled coils, electro-galvanized coils, hot-dip galvanized coils, and electrical steel coils. All price adjustments are set at USD 0 per ton.

CSC stated it will continue working closely with downstream industries to navigate the current steel market adjustment period and seize upcoming order opportunities driven by recovering demand and restocking activities.