With the week ending December 13, the global Cold Rolled Sheet market displayed a mixed performance across different regions. In the U.S. and China, the Cold Rolled Sheet market demonstrated resilience, with prices rising because of tightening supply and strong demand. In contrast, Germany experienced a decline in Cold Rolled Sheet prices due to a slowdown in market activity.

The U.S. Cold Rolled Sheet prices increasing by 0.4% during the week due to production constraints and resilient demand. Additionally, the supply environment for Cold Rolled Sheet is strained, primarily due to a combination of operational challenges, rising cost pressures, and external disruptions. Moreover, production has dipped, with a 1.9% decline in output compared to the previous year. This decrease highlights the difficulties manufacturers face in maintaining production consistency amid fluctuating market conditions. Adding to the supply challenges is Liberty Steel's recent decision to temporarily idle its Peoria mill. This facility is significant in the overall production landscape, and its shutdown exacerbates the tight supply conditions already affecting the market. On the demand side, the outlook for Cold Rolled Sheet remains optimistic, particularly driven by impressive performance in the automotive sector. In November 2024, vehicle sales reached 1,363,968 units, marking a solid 9.8% increase year on year. This surge in automotive demand stems from several factors, including aggressive promotional campaigns and the successful launch of new 2025 models, which have captured consumer interest and boosted sales figures. This positive demand trend is critical for manufacturers, suggesting that as long as automotive sales remain strong, the demand for Cold Rolled Sheet will continue to grow.

In Germany Cold Rolled Sheet market experienced downward price movement, declining by 0.4% during the week due to supply and demand imbalance. On the supply side, Germany's steel sector showcases remarkable strength, evidenced by the solid output levels in crude steel production. The 5.0% increase to 31.58 million metric tons illustrates the capacity of domestic producers to meet existing requirements, even under constraints posed by the broader market conditions. However, this surge in production does not occur without challenges. Companies like Salzgitter Group have reported significant financial strain, with a third-quarter net loss that underscores the difficulties in balancing operational output with the demands of maintaining financial viability and compliance with environmental standards. The ongoing production gains highlight the industry's commitment to increasing capacity while simultaneously dealing with market fluctuations. This resilience in output contrasts sharply with the current demand challenges, painting a mixed picture of the steel market landscape in Germany. Moreover, the demand landscape for Cold Rolled Sheet present notable weaknesses, exerting further downward pressure on prices. Moreover, Germany recorded a 0.5% decrease year-on-year in new passenger car registrations, totalling 244,544 units in November. As the automotive sector is traditionally one of the primary consumers of Cold Rolled Sheet s, this decline signals a broader slowdown in market activity.

Prices in the Chinese Cold Rolled Sheet market increased by 0.4% over the week, driven by market volatility. On the supply side, recent developments indicate increasing constraints that are beginning to affect market availability. Moreover, Tangshan's billet inventory witnessed a substantial decline, dropping by 32,600 tons to reach a total of 791,700 tons. This reduction in available materials highlights a tightening supply chain, prompting concerns about sourcing for downstream industries that rely heavily on Cold Rolled Sheet s. Adding to these challenges, Bayi Iron and Steel Co., Ltd., situated in Xinjiang, has announced scheduled maintenance for one of its blast furnaces, which has a capacity of 2,500 cubic meters. This maintenance will effectively lower daily molten iron production by approximately 6,000 metric tons and will extend through the upcoming Spring Festival period. Moreover, the demand for Cold Rolled Sheet in China is currently exhibiting remarkable strength, particularly driven by the automotive sector. In November, passenger vehicle retail sales soared to 2.446 million units, reflecting an impressive 18.0% increase year-over-year and an 8.0% rise from the previous month. This surge in vehicle sales is a strong indicator of growing consumer confidence and contributors to the demand for Cold Rolled Sheet.

As reported by ChemAnalyst, the rise in Cold Rolled Sheet sales in both the U.S. and China is likely driven by increased purchasing activity. Conversely, in Germany, the abundant availability of Cold Rolled Sheet along with weakened market confidence is anticipated to place downward pressure on prices.