[Thailand's Steel Industry Seeks Government Support Amid Rising Costs]

According to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), US domestic raw steel production for the week ending April 11, 2026, reached 1.843 million net tons, reflecting a capacity utilization rate of 79.8%. This represents a 0.7% increase from the previous week. Adjusted year-to-date production through April 11 stands at 25.871 million net tons at a 77.5% capacity utilization rate, up 5.5% compared to the 24.519 million net tons produced during the same period last year.

Brazilian mining giant Vale has officially ordered its first fleet of ethanol-powered ocean-going bulk carriers from Shandong Shipping to service its international iron ore trade. This landmark order is a crucial component of Vale's strategy to decarbonize its maritime supply chain and reduce scope 3 emissions associated with shipping raw materials to global steelmakers. The introduction of alternative fuels in maritime logistics is expected to significantly impact long-term freight costs in the seaborne iron ore market.

Domestic consumption of steel products in Ukraine increased by 3.4% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, driven by continuous reconstruction efforts. During this period, Ukrainian enterprises produced a total of 1.34 million tons of rolled steel, out of which 820,000 tons were directed to export markets primarily in the European Union. Approximately 521,000 tons of rolled products and semi-finished steel were absorbed by the domestic market.