In the latter half of 2025, the steel plate market experienced fluctuations, with the prices remaining in a range. The market in Asia was balanced but weak, with the buyers purchasing only based on their immediate requirements. The demand from petrochemical equipment, machines, and infrastructure development remained sluggish, and the expected improvement in industrial activity did not materialize. The raw material costs also helped the market to some extent, and the inventories remained under tight control to prevent sharp declines. The last quarter of the year saw the prices fall initially due to the inability of the peak season to deliver good orders and high production levels. Subsequently, the sentiment turned better, and some recovery was seen towards the end of the year.
The prices in Europe were relatively steady and showed minor fluctuations. Mills were well managed, and the demand from the engineering, construction, and energy industries was steady but not strong. The import pressure was still contained, and this helped the market to remain in balance. In the case of North America, the prices showed minor changes in response to the changes in tariffs and the cautious approach in the projects. The buyers were still cautious in their purchases, and the inventories were enough to avoid any rush in the purchases, keeping the market steady and showing minor recovery towards the end of the period.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, Steel Plate prices are expected to remain steady in the near future and are likely to improve gradually in response to better industrial demand and mills running at balanced levels.