Salzgitter, a prominent German steelmaker, anticipates a decline in strip steel shipments for the remainder of 2024. According to its interim earnings report, the company expects shipments to continue at a somewhat lower level, with section shipments remaining steady and crude steel production slightly reduced. In the first half of the year, Salzgitter produced 2.69 million metric tons of crude steel, a slight increase from 2.51 million metric tons in the same period of 2023. However, shipments sales decreased to 2.47 million metric tons from 2.69 million metric tons.

The company also noted that the heavy steel plate market is expected to remain weak, with order intake forecasted to drop below the already low levels of the previous year. Prices are under intense pressure, and the pipe plate output is only likely to benefit around year-end due to delays in awarding projects for large-diameter pipes. The medium-diameter pipe segment is expected to see a significant downturn in volumes. Despite these challenges, Salzgitter is progressing with its low carbon transformation program, aiming to fully convert its integrated steelworks by 2033.