[SMM Analysis] Construction Steel Inventory Drawdown Slows Notably

【SMM Steel】Taiwan's steel pipe makers are accelerating deliveries of existing orders to avoid potential AD duties. With preliminary determinations expected in September, mills aim to complete shipments by early June, accounting for a two-month Cape of Good Hope voyage. The US trade petition targets OCTG from Taiwan, UAE, and Austria. Rising oil prices spurred restocking, but the legal action paused new US purchases. Taiwanese mills face a standstill in new orders unless they absorb future tax costs, and are monitoring the situation before committing to further sales.

JSW Steel delivered record production and sales in FY2024-25, but weaker steel realizations dragged down revenue and margins, creating a clear growth paradox: higher volumes but lower earnings quality. As India’s largest steelmaker, JSW’s next challenge is to turn its scale into more resilient earnings through higher VASP contribution, stronger raw material security, selective overseas improvement, technology partnerships, and decarbonization readiness.