[SMM Steel] Vietnam domestic demand offsets export weakness amid trade barriers

Published: Apr 15, 2026 18:24

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[SMM Steel] Vietnam steel consumption showed strong domestic growth in early 2026, with construction steel up 39% YoY and HRC surging 214% YoY, driven mainly by local demand . Meanwhile, exports declined, especially for coated steel (-45% YoY), due to increasing trade barriers in markets like the EU. In the short term, strong domestic demand is offsetting export weakness, supporting sales and prices, while coated steel segments remain under pressure.

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