For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
• In the USA, the Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel Price Index remained broadly stable, with a slight downward bias in Q4 2025.
• Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel Spot Price eased in December as domestic inventories remained ample and buyer urgency declined.
• Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel Price Forecast points to limited near-term upside, with prices expected to stabilize amid steady production and balanced demand.
• Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel Production Cost Trend moderated as cold-rolled coil and chromium input costs softened slightly from mid-year peaks.
• Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel Demand Outlook supported by steady packaging and appliance orders, while automotive demand remained selective.
• Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel Price Index showed minor QoQ fluctuations, as mills maintained consistent runs and import arrivals from Asia supplemented domestic supply.
• Export shipments to Latin America provided occasional support, offsetting some softness in domestic offtake.
Why did the price of Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel change in December 2025 in North America?
• Ample domestic inventories and steady import flows reduced spot purchasing urgency, creating downward pressure on prices.
• Softer input costs for cold-rolled coil and chromium limited production cost inflation, restricting upward price movement.
• Pre-holiday buyer caution and moderate downstream demand for packaging and appliances further softened spot activity in December.
APAC
• In China, the Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel Price Index rose by 1.9% quarter-over-quarter, broadly supported.
• The average Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel price for the quarter was approximately USD 858.67/MT, reported.
• Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel Spot Price eased in December as import arrivals increased, pressuring bids.
• Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel Price Forecast points to mild volatility amid year-end destocking and restocking.
• Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel Production Cost Trend moderated as cold-rolled coil, chrome ore prices eased.
• Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel Demand Outlook supported by stronger NEV production and civil engineering investment.
• Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel Price Index recorded modest QoQ gains while downstream can makers pre-holiday destocked.
• Domestic mills maintained steady runs while Japanese and Korean imports kept Shanghai bonded inventories well-supplied.
Why did the price of Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel change in December 2025 in APAC?
• Ample imports from Japan and Korea raised bonded warehouse stocks, reducing spot purchasing urgency pressure.
• Softer cold-rolled coil and chrome ore prices lowered production costs, allowing exporters to narrow offers.
• Year-end destocking by can makers and muted festive spending weakened demand, pressuring spot levels in December.
Europe
• In Europe, the Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel Price Index declined quarter-over-quarter, as weak demand from key downstream industries weighed on pricing.
• Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel Spot Price eased in December as elevated service centre inventories and cautious procurement by packaging and appliance sectors reduced spot bids.
• Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel Price Forecast points to mild volatility into early 2026, with seasonal packaging demand and export interest offering limited support amid broader subdued activity.
• Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel Production Cost Trend moderated as input costs for cold-rolled coil and ferrochrome softened earlier in the quarter, though energy and carbon compliance costs remained relevant for regional producers.
• Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel Demand Outlook in Europe was fragile, with inflationary pressures, higher energy costs, and subdued industrial offtake in automotive trim, household appliances, and consumer canning sectors limiting robust demand.
• The Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel Price Index recorded quarterly declines as downstream users focused on inventory optimisation rather than expansion purchases.
• European mills maintained steady runs, while import competition, especially from Asia and Turkey, helped keep bonded and service centre inventories well-supplied, capping price upside.
Why did the price of Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel change in December 2025 in Europe?
• Elevated inventories at service centres and importer stocks reduced urgency for fresh spot purchases, contributing to a softer Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel Price Index.
• Softer feedstock prices for cold-rolled coil and ferrochrome earlier in the quarter eased production cost pressures and limited upward pricing moves.
• Weak downstream demand, particularly from packaging and appliance manufacturers ahead of year-end cycles, tempered offtake and pressured spot prices in December.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• The Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel Price Index in North America declined by 2.3% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weaker offtake from the automotive, appliance, and food packaging sectors.
• Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel Demand Outlook remained cautious as OEMs in the automotive sector adjusted production schedules amid high inventory levels and slower EV sales.
• The Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel Price Forecast suggests a mild recovery in Q4 2025, supported by anticipated restocking from canning and appliance manufacturers ahead of the holiday season.
• A favorable Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel Production Cost Trend emerged in late Q3, driven by lower ferrochrome input costs and improved energy efficiency at integrated mills.
• September 2025 saw a modest price increase of 1.1% month-over-month as buyers returned to the market for just-in-time inventory replenishment, and mills reduced discounting amid tighter supply.
• Despite the uptick, high service center inventories and competitive imports from Mexico and South Korea capped broader gains in the Price Index.
• Producers monitored the Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel Price Index closely, adjusting output and pricing strategies to maintain margins in a volatile demand environment.
Why did the price of Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel change in September 2025 in North America?
• Restocking activity from packaging and appliance sectors supported a modest rebound in the Price Index.
• Lower ferrochrome and CRC input costs improved mill economics, allowing producers to stabilize prices without aggressive discounting.
• Import competition and cautious downstream demand limited the extent of price recovery, keeping the market in a narrow trading band.
APAC
• In China, the Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel Price Index fell by 4.8% quarter-over-quarter, from weaker exports.
• The average Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel price for the quarter was approximately USD 714.00/MT FOB Shanghai.
• Elevated stocks pressured Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel Spot Price while Price Index signalled export oversupply again.
• The Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel Price Forecast anticipates modest gains as packaging demand and shipments recover.
• Improved feedstock costs underpin favorable Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel Production Cost Trend, supporting mill margin resilience.
• Short-term Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel Demand Outlook remains subdued because European import hesitancy and barriers persist.
• Producers watch Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel Price Index; high inventories and competitive FOB offers limit upside.
• Major mills maintained output, pressuring markets while exporters discounted FOB offers to reduce elevated stocks.
Why did the price of Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Recovered import bookings marginally improved shipments, easing export pressure and supporting modest September price stabilization.
• Eased CRC and ferrochrome inputs reduced production cost pressure, improving mill margins and limiting downside.
• Elevated inventories and export competition constrained seller pricing power amid port congestion and shipping disruptions.
Europe
• The Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel Price Index in Europe declined by 3.1% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weak downstream activity in food canning, home appliances, and automotive trim.
• The Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel Demand Outlook remained muted as inflationary pressures and energy costs weighed on consumer spending and industrial output across Germany, France, and Italy.
• The Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel Price Forecast suggests a mild recovery in Q4 2025, supported by seasonal demand from the packaging sector and improved export interest from Eastern Europe.
• A favorable Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel Production Cost Trend emerged in late Q3, driven by lower ferrochrome and cold-rolled coil (CRC) input prices, along with energy cost relief in select EU markets.
• In September 2025, prices increased by 1.4% month-over-month, as mills curtailed output and buyers returned to the market for pre-winter restocking, lifting the Price Index slightly.
• However, import competition from Turkey and South Korea, coupled with elevated service center inventories, capped broader price gains and kept market sentiment cautious.
• European producers closely monitored the Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel Price Index, adjusting production schedules and pricing strategies to protect margins amid volatile demand.
Why did the price of Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Restocking by packaging and appliance manufacturers ahead of Q4 supported a modest uptick in the Price Index.
• Lower input costs and reduced mill output helped stabilize prices after two months of decline.
• Import pressure and weak downstream confidence limited the extent of the rebound, keeping prices within a narrow range.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel Price Index in North America declined quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025, closely following global pricing pressure led by Chinese oversupply and weak CRC feedstock trends.
• The ECCS Production Cost Trend in North America was mostly unchanged. However, pricing remained externally driven due to high import dependence, with minimal domestic conversion capacity.
• The ECCS Demand Outlook weakened amid reduced activity in the canned food packaging and consumer appliance sectors. Buyers slowed procurement as inflationary pressures and freight volatility persisted.
• Import volumes dipped notably in May and June, with buyers adjusting shipment cycles and exercising pricing caution. CIF-based offers from Asian suppliers remained negotiable, though some bookings were postponed.
Why did the price of Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel change in July 2025 in North America?
• The ECCS Spot Price in July 2025 is estimated to have remained under pressure. Weak demand and continued import competition weighed on pricing sentiment.
• Buyers adopted a cautious stance amid surplus inventory positions and subdued consumption. Limited restocking interest was seen in the Midwest and West Coast distribution hubs.
• The ECCS Price Forecast points to rangebound pricing through Q3 unless a recovery in tinplate and packaging demand materializes.
• The ECCS Demand Outlook remains soft, with packaging converters prioritizing contract shipments over spot procurement.
APAC
• The Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel Price Index in China fell by 3.8% quarter-over-quarter in Q2 2025, led by excess CRC capacity and sluggish downstream activity across food canning and appliance manufacturing.
• The ECCS Production Cost Trend declined slightly due to lower cold-rolled coil (CRC) prices and stable chromic acid costs, improving margins but encouraging price competition.
• The ECCS Demand Outlook remained weak as domestic demand stagnated, and overseas orders slowed following changes in trade rebates and a dip in export momentum.
• Export activity decelerated during May and June due to shipment bottlenecks, policy adjustments, and growing buyer resistance to price volatility. Inventory accumulation occurred in coastal manufacturing hubs.
Why did the price of Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel change in July 2025 in China?
• The ECCS Spot Price in July 2025 is projected to have remained weak, with no recovery from the Q2 decline. Domestic oversupply and lack of export pickup limited any upside.
• Traders reduced output or offered discounts to clear warehouse stock. Transaction activity stayed light as end-users deferred large orders.
• The ECCS Price Forecast indicates continued pressure through early Q3 unless export volumes rebound or CRC prices stabilize.
• The ECCS Demand Outlook remains uncertain, with local demand expected to stay weak and export-linked optimism depending on trade policy clarity.
Europe
• The Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel Price Index in Germany declined in Q2 2025, tracking global price softness and reflecting reduced shipments from China.
• The ECCS Production Cost Trend in Europe remained elevated, mainly due to higher energy and environmental compliance costs, although these had minimal short-term influence due to heavy import reliance.
• The ECCS Demand Outlook weakened across packaging and household durable sectors. Buyers showed hesitancy amid inventory corrections and lower retail offtake.
• Import activity into Northern European ports slowed through May and June, as buyers negotiated harder and held off on fresh bookings. CIF offers from Asia faced resistance, particularly in Germany and Italy.
Why did the price of Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel change in July 2025 in Europe?
• The ECCS Spot Price in July 2025 is estimated to have stayed weak, following earlier declines and amid persistent demand softness.
• European buyers remained sidelined, focusing on domestic redistribution and old inventory usage. Spot demand was patchy at best.
• The ECCS Price Forecast points to sustained low pricing unless there’s a significant pick-up in seasonal tin can demand or a reduction in Chinese exports.
• The ECCS Demand Outlook remains fragile, with sentiment dependent on inflation moderation and clearer downstream order flows.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
The North American Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel market reflects pricing challenges in the first quarter of 2025 declining quarter on quarter, with the USA exhibiting the most significant fluctuations. Prices steadily declined throughout the quarter reflecting a negative pricing trend quarter on quarter environment shaped by multiple compounding factors.
Weak market fundamentals and sluggish trading activity largely influenced the downward trajectory. Additionally, demand from core industries like construction and automotive remained subdued, adding to the pressure on pricing. An oversupply situation, coupled with limited disruptions, ensured a consistent availability of materials, but this failed to align with declining demand levels, further weighing on prices.
The USA market faced additional challenges in increasing exports and geopolitical uncertainties that disrupted overseas demand. Nevertheless, seasonality also played a role, with prices showing a steady downward momentum between the first and second half of the quarter. Adding to these adversities, the North American market showed challenging conditions, bolstered by weak industry fundamentals and the region’s increase in capacity.
Europe
The first quarter of 2025 proved challenging for the European Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel market, with prices showing a decline from Q4. Closing the quarter in Germany, the market experienced pronounced bearish sentiment amid a combination of global and regional adversities. Additionally, global supply chain disruptions, coupled with localized challenges such as subdued demand from crucial industries like construction and automotive, were key drivers of the downward trend. Regulatory changes implemented by the European Union further complicated matters, introducing additional pressures that intensified market instability. Moreover, Germany endured the steepest price drops within the region, reflecting the broader economic challenges that impacted Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel demand. Additionally, seasonality played a notable role in market trends, with prices consistently declining throughout the quarter on quarter as weaker market conditions aligned with reduced industrial activities in the latter half of the year. Despite industry efforts to stabilize the market, the prevailing environment remained uncertain and marked by shrinking demand and excess supply concerns.
APAC
The first quarter of 2025 marked a challenging period for the APAC European Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel products market, concluding at USD 800/MT for Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel FOB Shanghai (China), representing a 6% decline from Q4 2024. This downward trajectory reflects a complex interplay of market fundamentals, economic conditions, and regional dynamics. The Chinese market, being the primary price influencer in the APAC region, experienced pressure from multiple directions. Supply chain disruptions coincided with significant demand weakness in key end-use sectors, notably construction and automotive. This combination created a perfect storm for price depression, with oversupply conditions exacerbating the downward pressure on market prices. Additionally, market sentiment remained predominantly bearish throughout the quarter, influenced by broader economic uncertainties and the disrupted normal trading patterns. The expansion of production capacities in certain regions, coupled with subdued demand, further contributed to the oversupply situation, preventing any meaningful price recovery. Looking forward, while the current price levels reflect significant market corrections, the underlying fundamentals suggest that recovery might be gradual, dependent on improvements in demand-supply dynamics and overall economic conditions.
