Color coated board prices across major markets recorded a generally downward trend during 2025, shaped by persistent overcapacity in upstream steel production, subdued construction activity, and cautious purchasing behaviour from key end-use industries. The year opened with prices under pressure, as excess supply from Chinese mills continued to weigh on regional benchmarks and global trade sentiment remained uncertain.
Domestic demand in China, a dominant producing region, stayed constrained for much of the year. The property and construction sectors, which represent significant consumption channels for color coated board, showed limited recovery, keeping downstream procurement at conservative levels. Appliance manufacturers, another key demand source, maintained lean inventories and avoided forward buying amid uncertain order pipelines. On the trade front, several importing nations maintained or introduced anti-dumping and countervailing duties on Chinese flat-rolled steel products, including color coated variants. This restricted export flow to certain markets and redirected supply volumes, adding downward pressure on prices in regions with higher availability.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, color coated board prices are expected to remain under moderate pressure in the near term, as supply continues to outpace demand recovery in key consuming sectors.