Steel Exports See Modest Gains, High Freight Rates and CIF Prices Dampen Market Acceptance

[Loose Pattern Unchanged, GO Silicon Steel Prices Expected to Remain Stable Next Week] Currently, demand in the downstream transformer industry is clearly diverging. Orders for high-end projects such as ultra-high voltage and data center supporting facilities remain stable, underpinning demand for high-grade Hi-B silicon steel. However, orders for ordinary distribution transformers are sluggish, with demand for mid-to-low-grade resources remaining persistently weak. Most transformer enterprises maintain strategies of just-in-time procurement and low inventory operations, resulting in limited market purchasing enthusiasm. The supply side exhibits structural looseness, with ample circulating resources of ordinary CGO grain-oriented silicon steel in the market. Some small and medium-sized traders are offering slight price concessions to accelerate capital turnover. Meanwhile, high-end grade resources such as high magnetic induction and ultra-thin specifications remain tight, with top-tier enterprises holding firm on their quoted prices.

[SMM Steel] ArcelorMittal Dofasco completed the shutdown of its No. 3 coke plant in Hamilton on April 13, 2026, as part of its decarbonization roadmap. The closure is expected to reduce emissions such as benzene and benzo(a)pyrene. The company will continue operations at its No. 2 coke plant, while affected employees have been reassigned internally.