Data: SHFE, DCE market movement (Mar 31)

【SMM Steel】British Steel is expected to be fully nationalized within weeks. The UK government took over operations from China's Jingye Group in April 2025 to prevent the Scunthorpe plant's closure. Steel has been designated a national security industry. The Scunthorpe plant has the UK's last two blast furnaces. Operating costs hit £377m by Jan 2026. British Steel supports nationalization for stability. Any new owner must invest heavily in EAF technology to replace blast furnaces.

[SMM Steel] Germany’s SMS Group secured a contract from India’s SAIL to modernize billet casters at the Durgapur Steel Plant. The upgrade of two six-strand casters is expected to boost production capacity by over 60% and introduce a 150 mm × 150 mm billet section to support downstream rebar and wire rod production. The project will be implemented in two phases, with commissioning planned for Q4 2027 and Q3 2028.

[SMM Steel] US drawn wire exports totaled 6,737 mt in January 2026, up 12.5% MoM but down 15% YoY, according to the US Department of Commerce. Canada remained the top destination with 2,831 mt, followed by Mexico at 2,702 mt, while export value reached $18.1 million.