France’s steel trade weakened between January and May 2025, with both imports and exports of basic steel products and ferroalloys declining year-on-year. Imports totaled €3.15 billion, down 12.8% from the same period in 2024. Key import categories included steel pipes and tubes (€685.2 million, -8.2%), cold rolled strip (€229.5 million, -10.1%), and cold drawn wire (€170.2 million, -5.7%).
Exports also fell, reaching €3.24 billion—a 5.9% drop. Notable declines were seen in cold rolled strip (€209.1 million, -28.1%) and cold drawn wire (€102 million, -12.7%), though metal structures and parts edged up slightly by 0.8% to €298.9 million.
The data reflects broader challenges in the European steel market, including weak demand, high energy costs, and increased import competition.
