Operating Rate and Forecast of Construction Steel Production Lines at Central China Steel Mills (2026.2.24-3.2)

Published: Mar 3, 2026 10:03

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During the survey period (February 24 to March 2), the operating rate and capacity utilization rate for rebar rolling lines in the Central China region remained unchanged WoW, with steel mills largely maintaining their previous production pace. In terms of factory inventory, most downstream construction sites resumed work after the Lantern Festival, and currently, the ability to absorb rebar demand is limited, leading to a continuous accumulation of inventory.

It is expected that in the next period, although some blast furnace steel mills in Central China plan to sell steel billets externally and reduce the production load on rebar rolling lines, considering that several EAF steel mills are planning to resume production in the next period, this will drive the operating rate and capacity utilization rate to rise, with rebar production transitioning from stability to growth.

During the survey period (February 24 to March 2), the operating rate and capacity utilization rate for wire rod rolling lines in the Central China region increased to varying degrees, mainly due to individual EAF steel mills in Henan resuming production during this period, and some blast furnace steel mills in Hunan restarting their wire rod rolling lines as planned, resulting in an increase in wire rod production. In terms of factory inventory, the recovery of end-use demand still requires time, and steel mill inventories continue to grow.

Due to the shutdown for maintenance of wire rod rolling lines at individual steel mills in Henan on March 2, the impact will be concentrated in the next period, with plans to resume production by the end of the next period. It is expected that next week, production and capacity utilization rates will slightly decrease, while the operating rate continues to grow.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

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