[SMM Lecong Hot Rolled Coil Inventory] Lecong inventory continued its downward trend this week.

India has secured duty-free access for around USD 350 million of steel exports to the UK, above the historical average of about USD 200 million. The revised quota could lift Indian steel exports to the UK to roughly USD 1 billion in fiscal 2026-27, from around USD 900 million previously. Discussions over the UK’s planned 2027 carbon border mechanism remain unresolved."

Outokumpu has ordered Primetals Technologies to upgrade the ladle treatment facility at its Calvert stainless steel plant in Alabama with a 180-tonne twin ladle furnace, scheduled to start in March 2028. The project will improve temperature control, flexibility and productivity while reducing energy consumption and emissions.

[India] Alang HMS 80:20 ship-breaking scrap remained stable at USD 354/tonne EXW, as limited processed scrap supply offset cautious mill buying. Billet and rebar prices in Gujarat edged higher, although construction demand stayed weak. In Mandi Gobindgarh, scrap fell to around USD 352/tonne DAP, with procurement remaining largely need-based.