SMM Survey: Hot Metal Production Saw Notable Recovery amid Weaker Impact From Environmental Protection Restrictions

Published: Mar 20, 2026 09:54

Save

According to the SMM survey, as of March 18, the blast furnace operating rate at the 242 steel mills tracked by SMM was 87.16%, up 1.17 percentage points WoW.

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.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn

For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn

Related News

2 hours ago

Construction Steel Inventory Growth Slows, Destocking Phase Expected Next Week

This week, total rebar inventory stood at 8.3525 million mt, up 57,800 mt WoW, or 0.7% (previously +3.46%). Compared with the same period of the lunar calendar last year, it increased by 281,200 mt, or 3.48% (previously +4.58%).

2 hours ago

【SMM Analysis】Middle East Turmoil Triggers Trade "Mismatch": China Accelerates to Fill 2.3 MT Supply Vacuum in SEA

Middle East tensions have sparked a massive steel trade "mismatch." Iran's blocked exports created a 2.3-million-ton billet vacuum in Southeast Asia, while the Red Sea crisis stalled China's flat steel shipments to the Gulf. Consequently, China and India are rapidly absorbing SEA's diverted billet orders. SMM projects that blocked flat steel returning to China's domestic market, combined with surging overseas billet demand, will accelerate the narrowing of the domestic HRC-rebar spread.

2 hours ago

3 hours ago

China's Silicon Metal Exports Increased YoY in January-February 2026

Customs data showed that, in terms of exports, silicon metal exports stood at 65,500 mt in January 2026, up 11% MoM and up 25% YoY. In February, silicon metal exports stood at 47,500 mt, down 27% MoM and up 8% YoY. Cumulative silicon metal exports in January-February 2026 stood at 113,000 mt, up 17% YoY.

3 hours ago