【SMM Steel】Poland's Cognor raises rebar prices 20% since early 2026

The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) reported that for the week ending May 2, 2026, domestic raw steel production reached 1,856,000 net tons, with a capability utilization rate of 80.4%. This represents a 9.6% increase compared to the same week in 2025. Adjusted year-to-date production through early May reached 31,405,000 net tons, reflecting robust industrial demand in the North American market.

ArcelorMittal has adjusted its long-term strategy, stating that it will not initiate any new electric arc furnace (EAF) investments until its 2 Mt/y reference project in Dunkirk, France, is nearing completion. The group's 2025 Sustainability Report indicates that due to high energy prices in Europe (well above $30/MWh) and slow progress in green hydrogen infrastructure, the company will adopt a "flexible and adaptable" strategy, prioritizing financial discipline. The Dunkirk EAF project, costing €1.3 billion, has a planned capacity of 2 Mt/y and is expected to begin production in 2029, reaching full capacity in 2030-2031. The new EAF will replace two existing blast furnaces with a combined capacity of 1.8 Mt/y.

Kazakhstan has officially extended its ban on the export of ferrous scrap by rail and road for another six months. The measure is intended to ensure a stable supply of raw materials for domestic steel producers as they ramp up production to meet national infrastructure goals. Regional billet prices rose by $10–15 per ton following the announcement.