The global steel plate market showed different patterns across regions in mid-March 2025. Germany maintained steady prices, the US saw slight increases, and China experienced decreases due to export challenges. Here's what's happening in these key markets.

Key Points:

• Germany: Steel plate prices remained unchanged with balanced supply and demand
• USA: Prices increased by 0.8%, helped by infrastructure projects and steady industrial use
• China: Prices dropped 0.7% due to trade investigations and weaker exports
• Raw materials: Iron ore and scrap costs steadied but varied by region
• Inventory: Small increases in Europe while US supplies remained tight

Steel plate prices in Germany remained unchanged in the 2nd week of March. Mills kept production steady to meet consistent orders from construction and machinery sectors. Buyers cautious to project-based purchasing instead of buying extra stock. The Steel Plate inventories slightly grew, but sellers weren't worried about excess stock, expecting new projects in the spring related to Germany's energy transition plans.

In the US, the steel plate prices slightly gained by 0.8%, due to strong demand from infrastructure and automotive sectors. Government focus on bridge and renewable energy projects which increased the buying activity. The Car manufacturers also booked up ahead of possible union strikes. Despite higher demand for Steel Plate, inventories stayed low as mills avoided oversupply issues. Midwest buyers paid higher prices due to shipping delays, while Southern mills saw slower sales.

Chinese steel plate prices fell 0.7% as trade investigations in export markets hurt sales. While exports for January-February 2025 were up 6.7% compared to last year, daily shipping rates hit their lowest point since July 2024. Domestic demand also slowed despite government promises of economic support. Sellers noted that too much production capacity of Steel plate and weak export deals forced price cuts, especially in coastal areas.

In Europe, higher prices for low-carbon steel held firm but found limited buyers outside specific markets like Nordic renewable energy projects. Customers resisted paying extra, arguing that green steel's benefits aren't clear without stricter carbon rules. US and Chinese mills tested cleaner steel production for car manufacturers, though with limited success so far.

According to market analysts, German steel plate prices will likely stay stable through spring, supported by infrastructure spending. US prices might see small increases if industrial demand continues. China's recovery depends on solving export problems and reducing oversupply. Globally, tighter environmental regulations and green steel adoption will change which producers are competitive, with mills focusing on reducing carbon emissions to meet European and North American standards.