Hot-rolled coil (HRC) steel prices dropped to USD 850 per tonne, marking a 0.58% decrease from the previous day, according to latest trading data. This decline reflects a broader downward trend in global steel markets, driven by ongoing overcapacity and weakening demand, particularly in major consuming regions such as Europe and China.
HRC prices have now fallen significantly from the highs of 2021, when they peaked at nearly USD 1,945 per tonne. Analysts suggest this persistent price drop highlights the steel industry’s struggle to balance production levels with current demand, which remains subdued due to slow industrial activity, high inflation, and macroeconomic uncertainty in key markets.
Industry experts expect prices to remain under pressure through the rest of 2025. A recent market outlook indicated that recovery in global steel prices is unlikely before mid- to late-2025, as excess capacity continues to outpace demand growth. Despite stable production volumes, steelmakers may face further margin compression if demand fails to rebound in the second half of the year.
This price weakness raises concerns for producers who are already dealing with high energy costs and shifting trade dynamics, and may prompt additional supply-side adjustments.
