In the second half of 2025, the global hot rolled steel market witnessed mixed trends in terms of prices, where regional variations were prominent. In the third quarter, the prices of hot rolled steel were seen moving in a narrow range. At the start of this period, positive government support, along with increased expenditure by the infrastructure and manufacturing sectors, helped the overall sentiment of the market. This led to a positive movement in prices. The demand for construction equipment, home appliances, and automobiles helped the hot rolled steel market. However, this positive trend declined during the second half of the quarter, as high prices led to a decline in export demand. The production of hot rolled steel continued as usual, keeping it high. At the end of this period, inventory levels increased, causing a correction, followed by a seasonal movement.
In the fourth quarter, regional markets saw different market conditions. In the European markets, prices improved slightly due to stringent import regulations, which boosted the prices offered by local producers. In Asia, the market continued to face pressure due to high inventories, slow demand revival from the monsoon season, and competitive export offers, keeping prices subdued. Buyers remained cautious, avoiding large transactions, which resulted in limited transactions, keeping the market balanced.