[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] Assofermet: Safeguard Measures Compressing Margins, Demand Recovery Unlikely Before Q4

Published: Jul 14, 2026 09:40

Save

According to Assofermet's latest monthly report, the new EU safeguard measures have created significant market uncertainty, primarily due to sharp quota reductions, new "Other Countries" quota rules, and late-notice implementation. In stainless steel, flat products recovered modestly on selective demand from food and chemical-pharmaceutical sectors, while tubular and long products posted the sharpest declines; distributors continue to struggle passing higher costs to end-users, keeping margins under pressure, with September seen as a key test of medium-term sector viability. Trading activity is expected to remain weak through July-August due to seasonal shutdowns, with a meaningful demand recovery unlikely before Q4. From October 1, importers will also face new melt-and-pour documentation requirements, adding further operational complexity.

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 for 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

1 hour ago

[SMM Nickel Midday Review] Nickel prices rebounded slightly on July 14, and the US will block Iranian ports from 4 a.m. on July 15.

1 hour ago

[SMM Nickel Intermediate Products Daily Review] July 14 MHP, high-grade nickel matte nickel prices rise

As of now, the FOB price of Indonesian MHP nickel is $14,844/mt Ni, and the FOB price of Indonesian MHP cobalt is $50,109/mt Co. The MHP payables (against the SMM battery-grade nickel sulphate index) are 82-83, and the MHP cobalt payable indicator (against SMM refined cobalt (Rotterdam warehouse)) is 94. The FOB price of Indonesian high-grade nickel matte is $15,069/mt Ni.

1 hour ago

3 hours ago

US to Block Iranian Ports, Impose 20% Fee on Shipments; May Manage Strait of Hormuz

The US will block Iranian ports from 4 a.m. on the 15th; Trump: will charge a 20% fee on cargo shipments; may be responsible for managing the Strait of Hormuz in the future.

3 hours ago