“Thailand’s Steel Market Heats Up: Steel Price Storm 2026

Steel Price Storm 2026 – Turning Crisis into Opportunity
By SO OK TRADING | May 17, 2026

 
Current Situation in Thailand
The Thai steel market is under intense pressure. Factories and producers have already raised prices by 10–15%, and another increase is expected in Q2 as electricity and energy costs continue to surge.

 
Four Key Factors Driving Thai Steel Prices Higher
⚡ Rising electricity costs (May–August 2026), directly impacting steel mills ⛽ Global energy costs soaring, with oil and gas prices climbing Shipping costs skyrocketing due to geopolitical tensions (freight & insurance) Raw material shortages caused by the Russia–Ukraine conflict disrupting iron ore and semi-finished steel supply

 
Global Market Overview: “Demand Slows, Costs Push Prices Up”
Global steel demand growth is only 0.3% (approx. 1,724 million tons)
China: Domestic demand declines → Exports exceed 100 million tons, pressuring ASEAN markets including Thailand
India: Fastest-growing market, demand up +7.4% (driven by mega infrastructure projects & automotive industry)
USA & Europe: High tariff walls keep prices significantly above Asia
OECD: Global surplus capacity around 700 million tons → Anti-dumping measures intensify
Green Steel: EU enforces CBAM → Premium prices for low-carbon steel continue to rise
 
China’s Strategy and Global Measures
China: Flooding exports at low prices to maintain domestic employment, focusing on higher-quality steel and coated products to bypass tariffs
USA: Tripled tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum (25–50%)
EU: Tightened import quotas and launched anti-dumping investigations
Thailand: Preparing AC (Anti-Circumvention) measures to block falsely declared Chinese steel
 
Impact of CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism)
Coal-based steel plants face massive carbon taxes
Global producers forced to invest in EAF (Electric Arc Furnaces) or hydrogen technology
Rising investment costs → Higher finished steel prices
 
Outlook for the Second Half of 2026
Prices will remain high despite slowing construction demand
Energy costs, electricity bills, and environmental taxes will keep prices elevated
Thai market faces risk: if anti-dumping measures against Chinese steel are delayed, local producers may be forced to cut production
 
✨ Summary: Steel Market & Industry Outlook
Buyers & Contractors: Lock in steel prices before the next round of increases
Thai Producers: Must enhance quality and strengthen branding to compete with cheap Chinese steel
New Opportunity: Investing in Green Steel will become a key competitive advantage as global markets are willing to pay a premium
 
Steel Price Snapshot (Approximate, excl. VAT & shipping)
Round Bar RB6: 21.70 THB/kg
Deformed Bar DB16: 19.90 THB/kg or 312.44 THB/10m
Steel Tube: from 27.3 THB/kg
Angle Steel: from 30.0 THB/kg
C-Channel: from 26.9 THB/kg
Steel Beam: from 24.0 THB/kg
 
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