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    CRU: Raw materials prices have peaked as demand slows down

    Written by Richard Lu


    CRU forecasts that global demand for steelmaking raw materials will fall month over month (m/m) between mid-January and mid-February.

    In Europe, restocking demand for steel is expected to accelerate as we enter 2024. This will support steel margins, which are expected to rise from the current 6% to 8% in April. As this continues to support steel production in the region, raw materials purchases are unlikely to rise further because shipments heading to Europe were already strong over December–January.

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    CRU: Global finished steel prices diverge, US the rare bright spot

    CRU: Global finished steel prices have diverged in August, with longs softening while sheet and plate firmed in most regions. Weak construction demand persisted across most longs markets, with the US the notable exception. Higher sheet prices were driven by tightening supply in the US and reduced import attractiveness in Europe, even as APAC sheet prices declined. Plate prices were mostly firmer across APAC, stable to down in Europe, and continued climbing in the US.