Global Steel Market 2026: Rising Costs Push Sales Prices Up 10–15% SO OK TRADING – April 20, 2026

Global Steel Market – April 2026: Fragile Recovery, Rising Costs, Prices Up 10–15% SO OK TRADING｜April 20, 2026

 
Global Market Overview
In 2026, the global steel market is undergoing a “fragile recovery.” Overall demand is growing only 0.3–1.3%, with sharp regional differences:

India: Star performer, expanding 7.4–9% driven by infrastructure and automotive investment
ASEAN: Growth of 4%, with Vietnam targeting GDP growth of 10%
United States & Europe: Modest recovery supported by infrastructure spending and defense budgets
China: Continued contraction of -1.0% to -1.5% due to a sluggish real estate sector
Key Insight: The market is splitting between oversupplied commodity steel from China and rising demand for high-quality and Green Steel in developed economies.

 
Rising Costs Pressure Steel Prices
Raw Materials: Iron ore averages $90–95/ton, coking coal $170–190/ton, Thai scrap surging to 15.2 THB/kg
Energy & Shipping: Middle East instability drives freight and energy costs up more than 50%
Carbon Tax (CBAM): EU enforcement adds $60–90/ton for high-emission steel
Currency: Weaker Thai baht raises import costs for raw materials
As a result, steelmakers worldwide, including Thailand, are raising sales prices by 10–15% to absorb cost pressures.

 
Product Segment Trends
Construction Steel (Long Products): Stable to slightly positive, supported by government megaprojects, though real estate remains weak
Flat Products: Strong upward trend driven by EV and data center industries
Structural Steel: Continued growth from prefabricated and green building trends
Specialty & Green Steel: Strong demand in Europe and North America, priced 20–30% higher than commodity steel
 
Thai Market Summary
Demand: Up 2.2% to 18.6 million tons, driven by government projects and EV industry
Supply: Domestic plants running below 30% capacity, struggling against cheaper imports
Price: Rising 10–15% under energy and logistics cost pressures
 
✨ Key Takeaway: April 2026 marks a clear market split — commodity steel faces oversupply and high costs, while high-quality and Green Steel emerge as premium products in strong demand. Companies pivoting toward Green Steel and EV markets will gain competitive advantage in this new industry landscape.

 
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