Steel News

According to the Vietnam Customs Department, iron and steel export output in the first 2 months of 2024 reached 1.5 billion USD, an increase of 19% in volume and 13% in value compared to the same period in 2023. In particular, Italy, the US and Malaysia were the top 3 import markets for Vietnamese steel in January 2024.In February 2024, the average export steel price reached 713 USD/ton, up 0.6% compared to the previous month. ASEAN continues to be Vietnam's largest steel export market, accounting for 32% of the market share. The EU and the US followed closely with 28% and 9% respectively.Notably, in January 2024, Vietnamese steel export volume to Italy, the US and Malaysia saw significant growth. Specifically, Vietnam exported 203,000 tons of iron and steel to Italy, an increase of 114% over the same period last year, while exports to the US reached 139,000 tons, an increase of 419%. In particular, iron and steel exports to the Malaysian market increased sharply in volume, reaching 120 thousand tons in the first month of the year, a 625% increase compared to January 2023.The reason why Malaysia boosts imports of Vietnamese iron and steel is because of the demand for steel, especially construction steel for domestic construction and infrastructure projects. According to the Southeast Asia Iron and Steel Institute (SEAISI), construction activities in the region gradually stabilize and develop, which will drive steel consumption in ASEAN countries. ASEAN's steel demand is expected to increase sharply in the next two years as construction activity recovers.Malaysia is one of Vietnamese 10 largest trading partners. Bilateral trade turnover has increased steadily over the years, with 2022 reaching nearly 14.8 billion USD. The two sides strive to achieve the goal of bringing bilateral trade turnover to 18 billion USD by 2025. Vietnam and Malaysia are members of new-generation trade agreements such as the Global Economic Partnership Agreement. Regional Partnership (RCEP), Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) and ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA. Thanks to the support and facilitation from the governments of both countries, steel exports to Malaysia will have many positive highlights in the future.Furthermore, world steel demand is expected to grow strongly in 2024, reaching 1.8 billion tons, up 2% over the previous year. Therefore, Vietnam's steel production faces many opportunities and development in 2024, with an estimated growth of around 10%.Hopefully the information on bilateral import and export situation between Malaysia and Vietnam has helped you update the newest global steel news. MRS Steel provides solutions to import high quality Vietnamese steel at good prices to help you save time, effort and minimize import risks. For any consulting information, please contact MRS Steel via Hotline +842836223358 or Email: vanloc@mrssteel.com.vn.

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 the context of inflation and global economic recession, the world's largest mining company BHP (Australia) still has uncertainty about the prospects of the steel industry due to the factor of China - the world’s largest steel producer. Below are the top 7 main reasons that make it difficult for BHP to predict the global steel market in 2024.1. High steel production and exports from China and India in 20232023 was the fifth consecutive year that China recorded crude steel output above 1 billion tons thanks to sustainable demand from non-residential. Chinese steel industry has seen strong growth in net exports with total turnover reaching its highest level in the past 7 years. Exports rose to 98 million tons in 2023, the highest since 2016.The Indian steel industry in 2023 also marked significant growth with crude steel output reaching 140 million tons, an increase of 12% compared to 2022. The Indian steel market was considered the only bright spot on the Asian steel map in 2023 amid weak demand and persistent oversupply in the region.2. Strong blast furnace usage rate in ChinaChina's blast furnace (BF) utilization rate averaged 88% in the first half of 2023 and 90% in the second 6 months, reaching 89.1% for the whole year. BHP explained the reason for the high BF rate is because:Production at electric arc furnaces (EAF) is limited due to lack of competitiveness, weak demand for construction steel, reduced scrap availability and loss of profits.Abundant steel supply in the global export marketActivity of the flat steel industry in 2023 was relatively stable with demand increasing by 2% compared to 2022, of which the second half of 2023 increased by 3.2% y/y.3. Low real profits of Chinese steel manufacturers The profit margin of steel mills in 2023 was still very low. BPH estimated margins for BF-BFO furnaces to average around $7/ton in 2022 but fell to -$6/ton in 2023.4. Stable China's steel output forecast in 2024 BHP's preliminary estimate of China's crude steel production in 2024 is in the range of 1-1.1 billion tons. However, output could still be affected by possible mandatory production cuts in China. Overall, up to now, BHP still does not have solid data on the outlook for Chinese crude steel output in 2024.5. Decline China's steel exports in 2024 BHP predicts China's net steel exports in 2024 will decrease compared to 2023 at more than 87 million tons. The reason is that Beijing aims to limit steel production, but it is unlikely to fall below 54 million tons due to China's price advantage in the global steel market.6. Uneven demand of the end-user sector in China BHP weighs in on the outlook for end-user demand for steel in China in 2024, including the pace of development, scale and structure of the housing construction recovery as well as the ratio of steel usage per unit of GDP. Currently, BHP predicts real GDP will increase from 4.5 - 5%, after growth of 5.2% in 2023. The fields of housing, infrastructure, machinery and equipment manufacturing, automobiles and construction ships, consumer goods,... continue to decline.7. China to enhance steel reservesIn the long term, BHP believes that China will increase its accumulated steel inventory by 1.5 - 1.75 times when the urbanization rate reaches about 80%. The Australian mining firm also expects China to improve living standards similar to those of countries currently on the edge of the high-income bracket by mid-century.Above is the latest news about predicting the world steel situation in 2024. Don't forget to follow and read more useful articles on the topic of Vietnamese and global steel at MRS Steel!

Associated with the development of the business, recently, Mr. Tran Dinh Long, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hoa Phat Group, decided to invest in three new projects in the Nam Phu Yen Economic Zone with a project scale of over 120,000 billion dong.Currently, Hoa Phat Group is the largest steel manufacturer in Southeast Asia, with more than 30 years of experience. After a period of learning, researching and discussing with the leaders of Phu Yen province, Hoa Phat Group decided to sign a memorandum of understanding to invest in three projects in the South Phu Yen Economic Zone. Projects include: the original beach port; investing in construction and trading in the infrastructure of Hoa Tam Industrial Park; and the Hoa Phat Iron and Steel Complex Project in Hoa Tam Industrial Park. The total expected investment capital is over 120,000 billion VND.Currently, Hoa Phat's production capacity is 8.5 million tons per year. Of which, high-quality steel billets and construction steel are 5.5 million tons and hot-rolled steel coils are 3 million tons per year. Hoa Phat Group is currently leading in Vietnam in terms of market share of construction steel, steel pipes and the top 5 largest coated steel sheet manufacturers. It is also the only Vietnamese enterprise that can produce HRC steel, prestressed steel cables and many other high-quality steel products.Along with that, Hoa Phat Group is also implementing the Hoa Phat Dung Quat 2 Iron and Steel Production Complex project in Quang Ngai, with a design capacity of 5.6 million tons of hot-rolled steel per year. It is expected that when the project is completed in 2025, Hoa Phat's annual crude steel production capacity will reach over 14 million tons, equivalent to the top 30 largest steel enterprises in the world.Regarding the business situation, in 2023, Hoa Phat Group will reach VND 120,355 billion in revenue, down 16% over the same period last year. Profit after tax is 6,800 billion VND, completing 85% of the year plan. Hoa Phat leaders said that in 2023, it will produce 6.7 million tons of crude steel, down 10% compared to 2022. Sales output of HRC steel products, construction steel, high-quality steel and steel billets reached 6.72 million tons, down 7%. In addition to traditional steel product lines, Hoa Phat Group has invested in deep processing, promoting the production of high-quality steel to serve domestic and export needs. The Hoa Phat steel export market has expanded to 39 countries and territories worldwide.Exporting helps Hoa Phat Group diversify consumer markets while contributing to foreign exchange earnings and balancing Vietnam's trade balance. Hoa Phat is still leading the market share in Vietnam in construction steel and steel pipes and is the only Vietnamese enterprise that can produce HRC steel, prestressed steel cables and many types of high-quality steel.With Hoa Phat Group investing in an additional factory in Phu Yen, it will increase the group's output, helping Hoa Phat firmly hold its position as the leading steel manufacturer in Southeast Asia. Besides, it also helps increase the position of Vietnam's steel industry in the world steel market.

The Trade Defense Agency (Ministry of Industry and Trade) has just warned about the risk of Canada investigating and applying trade defense measures to steel imported from Vietnam.According to the Trade Defense Agency, with the policy of monitoring and tightening management of steel imported to protect the domestic market, it is expected that in the coming time, Canada will continue to research and investigate products, type of steel imported from Vietnam. The items targeted by Canada are Vietnam's main export products including concrete reinforcement steel, anti-corrosion steel plates, steel coils and oil pipeline steel. This item is widely used in prestressed concrete wire (PC Wire), umbrella frames, tire bead wire (TBW), piano wire, wire cores for conductors, cables used in elevators and cranes, welding electrode cores and nails.For Canada alone, there have been 18 trade defense cases. Of these, there have been eight trade defense cases with steel imported from Vietnam. Specifically, there are 5 anti-dumping cases, 2 anti-subsidy cases and 1 self-defense case. According to statistical data from Trademap, an updated database system on the trade situation of countries established by the International Trade Center (ITC), Vietnam's export turnover of steel wire products to Canada has increased rapidly in recent years. For example, in 2020, Vietnam exported about 10 million USD of steel wire to Canada. The export turnover of this item doubled to 21 million USD in 2021 and continued to grow strongly, reaching about 40 million USD in 2022.This shows that our country's goods exports to Canada are being actively supported by the implementation of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), effective January 2019. Currently, Vietnam is Canada's leading trading partner in ASEAN and Canada's 6th largest trading partner in the group of 40 Indo-Pacific countries.The absolute increase in value is one of the criteria for Canada to conduct an investigation and apply trade defense measures against Vietnamese steel wire. Based on this database, the Trade Defense Agency issued a warning about the risk of Canada investigating and applying trade defense measures to steel imported from Vietnam and recommended that businesses, related associations and businesses review the export of steel wire to the Canadian market (refer to the following HS codes: 7223, 7213, 7227 and 7306).According to experts, this move is a wake-up call to advise businesses to proactively research regulations and procedures to respond in case Canada conducts an investigation into trade defense cases against imported products, such as steel imported from Vietnam. In cases of investigation, the association and related businesses need to have a strategy to participate and handle the case, fully cooperate at the request of the investigation agency and regularly coordinate to receive support from the Trade Defense Agency. Canada is a potential market for Vietnam's exports. If goods are handled and recalled, it will cause great damage to domestic businesses.Above is information about the Trade Defense Agency warning businesses to be careful because steel imported from Vietnam may be investigated by Canada. We will continuously update information about this incident; please follow the website to get the latest information about this incident.

Overcapacity in China has led to a surge in steel exports, affecting the consumption of domestic factories in Southeast Asia. According to short-term forecasts, the Southeast Asian steel market will be flooded with cheap Chinese steel, some of which is sold at prices lower than production prices through dumping behavior.According to the Secretary General of the Southeast Asia Iron and Steel Institute and former Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry, expectations for the strong post-COVID-19 recovery in China's real estate and construction sector have not materialized. Meanwhile, steel output is expected to increase by 5% to more than 1 billion tons without any significant control policies. Even, Chinese steel exports are expected to reach a record high of 89 million tons. Excess capacity leads to "dumping" and the massive export of cheap steel to Southeast Asian countries.According to data from the Southeast Asia Iron and Steel Institute (SEAISI), total production capacity in the 2029-2030 period will reach 182.5 million tons, 2.3 times higher than the current capacity (78.1 million tons). Another obstacle is that China's construction and real estate sectors are unlikely to recover, so exporting steel to China is also difficult.In 2022, ASEAN-6's steel demand was 75.1 million tons, crude steel capacity was 78.1 million tons, output reached 50.5 million tons with capacity utilization at 64.6% (below the efficiency level of 80%). Steel imports reached 43.8 million tons, equivalent to 58% of demand. In Malaysia, factories face an even worse situation when they fall into a situation of overcapacity of more than 60%. Domestic demand was 5.4 million tons, capacity was about 10.6 million tons, while output is 3.6 million tons. Malaysia's top 4 long steel manufacturing companies also reported a loss of nearly 199 million USD in 6 quarters. From 2018 to 2022, the total losses of the 4 factories amounted to 1.35 billion RM. The new company entering Malaysia uses blast furnace (BF) technology that pollutes 3 times more than the EAF system. This negatively affects Malaysia's Net Zero roadmap by 2050.