Data: SHFE, DCE market movement (May 18)

[SMM Steel] Ukraine’s containerized ferrous metal shipments by rail reached 10,400 TEU in Q1 2026, down only 3% YoY, while exports accounted for 77% of total volumes. The share of western border crossings surged to 96% from 66% a year earlier, as drone attacks on Danube ports sharply disrupted southern export routes. Containerized steel exports via Danube ports fell 93% YoY to just 116 TEU in Q1. Mostyska II on the Poland border became the key logistics hub, handling 45% of total ferrous metal container traffic. Ferrous metals accounted for 15% of Ukrainian Railways’ total container shipments in Q1, second only to agricultural cargo.

[SMM Steel] Tata Steel reported consolidated net profit of INR29.26 billion ($304.9 million) in Q4 FY2025/26, more than double year on year but below analysts’ forecast of INR30.8 billion. Earnings were pressured by a 16.7% rise in material costs, 8% growth in total expenses to INR585.02 billion, and one-time restructuring costs at its Dutch unit. In India, Q4 crude steel production rose over 14% YoY to 6.22 million tonnes, while domestic shipments increased 10.5% YoY to 6.19 million tonnes. The company also continued expansion projects, including a 0.75-million-tonne EAF in Ludhiana and a 2.2-million-tonne CRM complex in Kalinganagar.

[SMM Steel] The global flat steel market in 2026 is being reshaped by chronic overcapacity, rising regional protectionism, CBAM-related pressure, and weaker traditional steel margins, according to discussions at Steel 2026 in Izmir. Market participants said weak demand in major economies and continued Chinese exports are putting downward pressure on international flat steel prices. Turkish and European producers are under growing pressure from low-cost Asian imports, tighter EU carbon rules, and shrinking margins. CBAM and quota policies are also changing export costs and trade flows, while service centers are expected to play a larger role in processing, financing, inventory management, and short-term delivery.