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The European Commission, the executive body of the European Union, will consider requests to extend protection measures for a range of steel imports after receiving requests from the steel industry of EU countries.Specifically, on January 12, the EC received a request from the steel industry of 14 countries out of a total of 27 countries in the EU about domestic steel manufacturers being affected by the impact of the imported steel corrugated iron. This request is intended to determine whether an extension of existing safeguard measures is necessary to protect the steel industry of these countries.Excessive steel imports have caused serious damage to the domestic manufacturers in these countries. Therefore, after consideration, the EC finds that the request has sufficient evidence to support the need for continued safeguard measures to prevent or remedy the serious damage being experienced by the European Union's steel industry. These measures apply to the import of hot-rolled steel sheets, cold-rolled steel sheets, electrotechnical sheets, color-coated steel sheets, stainless steel sheets, tubular products of carbon steel and stainless steel, and wire rod. The tax imposition order was established on February 1, 2019 and lasts until June 30, 2021.However, after a lengthy review investigation, the EC extended the safeguard measures for another three years. The EC warns that if these measures are lifted, the steel industry of European Union countries will face a wave of imports, which will have a very negative impact on the economic performance of these countries. this country. In addition, the request includes examples related to modifications made by Union manufacturers. The Commission considers that the information provided, including the sources and supporting evidence, constitutes a sufficient basis for initiating an investigation.With the European Union expanding measures for importing countries, this is also an opportunity and a challenge for the Vietnamese steel industry. Particularly for the EU market, preliminary data shows that Vietnam's steel exports account for 24.1% of the turnover, reaching 2.2 million tons, a sharp increase of 86.2% over the same period. in 2022. Of which, exports to the Italian market increased by 127.7%, reaching 1,355 million tons; Belgium increased by 30.1%; Spain increased by 70.2%. According to the European Steel Association (EUROFER), Vietnam accounted for 8.1% of total finished steel products imported into Europe in the first 8 months of 2023. Meanwhile, finished steel imports from Turkey, China and India decreased sharply (-59%, -11% and -3% respectively), imports from Vietnam increased by 15%. The growth of iron and steel exports shows that steel industry enterprises are increasingly interested in exploiting the EU market and have made good use of the incentives provided by the EVFTA agreement.In addition, the EU's continued extension of protective measures also requires businesses in the Vietnamese steel industry to be mentally prepared to respond to events and to properly and fully comply with the agency's requirements. EC investigation agency throughout the process of the case, closely coordinating with the Trade Remedies Department to receive timely information and support.

In 2023, Italy's steel production output recorded 21.06 million tons of steel, down 2.5% compared to 2022. The predicted cause is the fluctuating situation in the European steel industry such as high energy costs, low steel export demand and the intense conflict between Russia and Ukraine.1. Situation of Italian steel production in 2023In 2023, domestic steel production output decreased by 2.5% to 21.06 million tons. This decline occurred in the context of falling global steel demand and unpredictable increases in fuel and raw material costs.According to SteelOrbis data, long steel output reached 11.68 million tons, down 2.9% compared to 2022 and flat steel reached 9.54 million tons, down 0.1% y/y. In December 2023, domestic mills produced 1.33 million tons, increasing output by 6.5% y/y but decreasing by 29.5% compared to November 2023. Long steel production output reached 694 thousand tons, up 5% over the same period but down 36.9% over November. For flat steel, domestic producers reached 615 thousand tons, down 3.9% over the same period and 27.5% compared to the previous month.Returning to 2022, Italy's total steel production reached 21.06 million tons, down 11.5% over the same period in 2021. Regarding long steel, in 2022, Italy reached 12.03 million tons, down 12% y/y. Meanwhile, flat steel products also decreased by 13.8% over the same period, reaching 9.55 million tons.In 2022, not only Italy's steel output decreased, but the steel industry of EU countries also experienced a significant 10.5% decline over the same period, reaching 136.7 million tons. That was the result of rising energy prices, reduced export demand and the fluctuations of the Russia-Ukraine military conflict.2. Italy increases steel imports from Vietnam to solve domestic supply shortagesAccording to data from the Vietnam Steel Association (VSA), Italy ranked 1st among the countries that imported the largest Vietnamese steel in the first 10 months of 2023. Steel exports to the EU market accounted for 24.1% of the turnover proportion, reaching 2.2 million tons, a sharp increase of 86.2% over the same period in 2022. Of which, exports to the Italian market reached 1,355 million tons, an increase of 127.7%.Importing Vietnamese steel at good prices and high quality has helped Italy partly solve the difficulty of supply shortage due to a sharp decrease in domestic steel output. In the context of an unstable war situation and rising raw material prices, predicting Italy's steel demand is still a challenging question. Importers continue to seek supplies from major steel exporting countries such as China, India and Vietnam. However, they are still subject to many constraints on the government's trade defense measures to prevent dumping, which negatively affects domestic manufacturers.3. MRS Steel - reputable and quality Vietnamese steel import support unitMRS Steel is a leading unit in the field of providing Vietnamese steel import solutions, cooperating with many large and small businesses in more than 30 countries worldwide. With more than 10 years of experience as a bridge between importers and the largest steel brands in Vietnam such as Hoa Phat, Hoa Sen, Nam Kim, Tay Nam,... MRS Steel can meet all customer requirements in terms of product specifications, reasonable costs. In addition, MRS Steel's team of experts is always ready to advise customers about the market and Vietnamese steel products thoughtfully, in detail and 24/7 via Hotline: +84 28 36 22 33 58 or Email: vanloc@mrssteel.com.vn

According to the International Stainless Steel Forum, it is predicted that stainless steel consumption will increase by 3.6% in 2024. With the stability of interest rates and inventory levels at supply chain centers, stainless steel demand in the EU is expected to recover in the second half of 2024.1. European stainless steel market situation in 2024In 2023, the EU's stainless steel industry faced challenges with reduced production due to low demand and the impact of high inflation. However, entering 2024, experts predict positive developments and a recovery in the European steel industry.The improved macroeconomic situation is considered the main factor influencing the recovery of the European stainless steel market. The Government plans to accelerate projects on renewable energy sources, especially wind and solar energy, aiming to increase the consumption of renewable energy to at least 40% by 2030. This requires a large amount of stainless steel because their characteristics and strength ensure the safety and efficiency of the project.2. The global stainless steel industry prospered in 2024In 2023, the global stainless steel industry recovered by 2.3% and this positive signal has not stopped yet as WorldSteel predicts steel demand will continue to grow by 1.7% in 2024. The consumption of flat-rolled stainless steel is expected to grow the fastest at 5.2% compared to 2023, followed by cold rolled steel and long steel with rates of 3.2% and 3.7%. respectively. The regions predicted to have the highest stainless steel consumption are Asia (excluding China) with 5.6%, followed by the EU, Africa, and China.3. Vietnam gradually becomes a global stainless steel supplierVietnam maintained its position as the largest steel producer in Southeast Asia with 23 million tons of crude steel and 33 million tons of finished steel products of all kinds shipped in 2021. Once a country with the smallest economy in Asia, Vietnam Nam has risen to 13th position worldwide in crude steel output in 2022, exporting steel products to more than 30 countries in the region and worldwide.In 2024, Vietnam will continue to promote projects to upgrade stainless steel production systems such as Senzimir rolling machines, 1300mm wide rolling technology, advanced equipment and machinery from Tenova, Danieli,... These investment efforts have helped steel products fully meet international standards such as ASTM, JIS, BS, EN,... and design and size requirements from customers.Importing goods often takes a lot of time and effort to find sources of goods, manage the transportation process and control risks, especially high-value goods such as iron and steel. To solve the above difficult problems, many customers have chosen import support units to optimize costs and time.MRS Steel is an enterprise specializing in providing solutions for importing Vietnamese steel to many large markets such as the United States, Europe, Italy, Spain,... Owning a network connecting the largest factories in Vietnam such as Hoa Phat, Hoa Sen Steel Sheet, Nam Kim, SY Vina,... MRS Steel will bring quality goods at the best prices to importers. In particular, a team of experienced market analysis, business and supply experts will support customers throughout the entire import process, warranty commitments and resolve complaints and arising problems.From predictions about stainless steel demand in Europe in 2024, factories and importers can plan their business and development in the new context. For any questions about the Vietnamese stainless steel market, importers can contact MRS Steel via Hotline: +84 28 36 22 33 58 or Email: vanloc@mrssteel.com.vn for the most detailed advice.

A new crisis is brewing in the Red Sea, one of the world's vital trade routes, with the potential to disrupt supply chains and drive up oil prices and inflation. This comes at a time when economic growth is slowing down.Red Sea - Important Maritime TransportationAs one of the crucial maritime routes, it accounts for approximately 15% of global maritime transportation volume. The Red Sea shows no signs of easing tensions, especially as recent Houthi warnings indicate a potential expansion of their targets in the region if the United States launches a campaign against their forces.The mentioned developments come shortly after Washington announced the formation of a coalition comprising various countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain,... to address Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. Simultaneously, this coalition has deployed military assets to counter missile and drone attacks.Conflict in the Red Sea and the Risk of an International Transportation CrisisThe Suez Canal is currently the shortest maritime route connecting Asia and Europe, accounting for approximately 15% of global maritime traffic. The conflict in the Red Sea has a significant impact on the global transportation and trade situation. This route is closely linked to the Suez Canal, meaning that ships avoiding the Red Sea also have to steer clear of the crucial route through the Suez Canal. This canal is one of the seven critical chokepoints for global transportation.The drone and missile attacks by Houthi forces in Yemen on vessels navigating the Red Sea are forcing global shippers to reroute their journeys around the Cape of Good Hope in Southern Africa. This redirection extends the sea travel time by an additional 10–14 days. The harsh weather and frequent rough seas at the Cape of Good Hope and the Mozambique Channel result in faster fuel consumption, leading to increased fuel costs. Additionally, vessels face numerous challenges, including fuel replenishment, cargo restocking, customs issues, overloading and inadequate infrastructure at African ports.These wars are creating a significant risk of disruption to transportation activities through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea, leading to increased shipping costs for various types of vessels, including tankers, container ships, and bulk carriers, thereby indirectly supporting the recovery of oil prices. Additionally, ships passing through the Red Sea are facing significantly higher conflict-risk insurance premiums, with current fees having surged by fivefold. Meanwhile, many transportation experts believe that disruptions in routes may lead to a situation where ships are in the wrong position and containers are misplaced, resulting in port congestion.In the face of the complex developments in the Red Sea and economic risks, the United States, the European Union (EU), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and several countries, including Yemen, have issued a joint statement condemning Houthi interference in maritime rights and freedoms.If the “Red Sea crisis” persists for only a short period, consumers may not notice much, except for possibly higher energy prices. However, if the situation prolongs, it not only affects maritime transportation but also poses a risk of uncontrollable inflation impacting the world.

In the first 9 months of 2023, Vietnam's HRC exports exceeded 2.5 million tons, with Formosa Ha Tinh and Hoa Phat Dung Quat leading in the export market share. Additionally, crude steel exports showed a remarkable increase of over 81% compared to the previous year, reaching a volume of 1.4 million tons.Overview of Vietnam’s HRC exports from domestic steel manufacturers In the first 9 months of 2023, the steel industry's overall production of hot-rolled coil (HRC) reached 4.93 million tons, marking a 1.7% increase compared to the same period in 2022. Total sales volume was 4.95 million tons, reflecting a 4.1% increase compared to the previous year, with export quantities accounting for 50% of the total, reaching 2.559 million tons. Formosa Ha Tinh and Hoa Phat Dung Quat continued to lead the HRC sector in the country, with export figures of 1.6 million tons and 817,000 tons, respectively. It's worth noting that HRC exports have tripled compared to the same period last year, indicating a strong recovery in the Vietnamese steel industry despite the domestic steel consumption remaining relatively weak due to challenges in the real estate sector. In this context, export, especially in the HRC segment, has partially compensated for steel enterprises' domestic sales.Additionally, data reveals that Italy and India have become the two largest import markets for Vietnam’s HRC exports, with Italy importing over 840,000 tons and India importing more than 386,000 tons in the past 9 months. Furthermore, in more than 40 countries importing HRC from Vietnam, there are two Southeast Asian countries, Malaysia and Indonesia, ranking third and fourth in terms of import volume, with 378,000 tons and 244,000 tons. Previously, Vietnam's steel was predominantly consumed in the Southeast Asian region. However, since the signing of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), the European market has emerged as a promising destination for Vietnamese steel exporters.The pie chart show top Vietnam’s HRC importing countries in the first 9 months of 2023While China's steel production has been continuously decreasing, India is considered as a new global steel production powerhouse, leading experts to believe that India will continue to maintain demand for HRC imports to support its manufacturing sector. Italy, which has always been a leading importer of Vietnamese steel in the European market, has shown sustained interest in Vietnam's steel. Attractive pricing from Vietnamese HRC manufacturers and the tariff benefits under the EVFTA have provided opportunities for strong steel importation by European businesses.Export of other steel segments in the first 9 months of 2023 has shown positive growthAccording to the Vietnam Steel Association (VSA), the export volume of other steel categories, including crude steel, finished steel, and construction steel, has increased significantly compared to the previous year. Overall, in the first 9 months of 2023, the total production of crude steel across the industry exceeded 14 million tons, despite a 13% decrease compared to the same period in 2022. However, export data indicates a remarkable 81% increase compared to the previous year, reaching a volume of 1.4 million tons.Similarly, the production and export of finished steel have seen positive changes, with production reaching 20.2 million tons, a 13.3% decrease compared to the same period in 2022, while export quantities reached nearly 6 million tons, reflecting a 22.6% increase compared to the previous year. In the case of galvanized steel, production reached 3.42 million tons in the first 9 months of 2023, a slight 3.4% decrease compared to the same period the previous year, with 3.11 million tons being sold and 1.66 million tons serving export purposes. Overall, the growth percentages in sales and exports do not significantly differ from the previous year.The production of construction steel products in the past 9 months exceeded 7.72 million tons, with production decreasing by 21.6% compared to the previous year. Sales and exports reached 7.74 million tons and 1.25 million tons, respectively, both showing a downward trend compared to the same period in 2022. In general, most real estate sectors have witnessed a global decline in investments ranging from 40% to 65% compared to the previous year, directly impacting the consumption of construction steel.The charts indicated about the exporting volumes of Vietnam steel products in 9 months of 2023Despite the current weak domestic consumption, VSA anticipates that challenging sectors such as real estate and industrial production will continue to improve in the near future due to public investment projects aiming to stimulate strong steel demand towards the end of the year. The steel market in Vietnam in the fourth quarter of 2023 is expected to have an upward trend, primarily due to favorable export conditions that allow enterprises to increase production.

Europe, with its well-developed steel industry and strong potential, is confidently anticipating a surge in the price of hot rolled coil in the final months of the year. Positive indicators and specific factors have created an ideal situation for steel price increases and mark the recovery of the steel industry after a challenging period.HRC price in EuropeBetween October 13th and October 20th, 2023, the price of hot rolled coil in Western Europe decreased by €10 per ton compared to the previous week, reaching a range of €610-€630 per ton. This price decrease started at the beginning of October, with a €50 per ton drop on September 29th, equivalent to 7.3%. Meanwhile, the Italian market also experienced a similar price reduction, with hot rolled coil prices dropping by €10 per ton compared to the previous week and €20 per ton compared to the end of September. The price difference between Western and Southern Europe has narrowed, and the market is facing pressure from low-cost imported hot rolled coil.Service centers and distributors are currently experiencing low sales volumes due to reduced consumer demand. The significant volume of imports from Asia and India continues to put pressure on the market, and the European automotive industry is going through a slump, significantly impacting the purchase of hot rolled coil. Some steel companies are temporarily halting operations to balance supply and demand and prevent further price declines.Despite the weak market conditions, European steel producers are reducing production capacity to maintain balance, and it is anticipated that the market may face a supply shortage in November and December, potentially leading to an increase in hot rolled coil prices.HRC prices in other marketsIn the hot rolled coil steel market, prices in major countries like the United States, China, and India have experienced notable fluctuations. In the United States, hot rolled coil prices have been trending upwards from $680-700 USD per ton to $692-720 USD per ton. This is the result of factors such as trade policies, regulations on steel imports, and domestic industry protection measures. However, prices can still vary due to factors like supply and demand in the construction and manufacturing sectors.In China, one of the largest players in the global steel market, hot rolled coil prices have remained relatively stable recently. Additionally, China's steel production policies and output can impact both domestic and export steel prices. Factors like production restrictions or policy changes may not significantly alter prices in the short term.In India, hot rolled coil steel prices are often influenced by domestic supply and demand as well as imports. Currently, hot rolled coil prices in India are stable, and economic growth and infrastructure development are creating increased demand for steel. However, factors such as trade policies and anti-dumping measures can influence steel prices in the near future.