[Libya Orders Largest Steelmaker to Halt Production Amid Power Shortages]

[Vietnam] Vietnam’s steel market remained relatively stable on August 21, with domestic construction steel prices ranging from USD 526–576/t, equivalent to around 531 USD/tonne EXW, while HRC prices stood at approximately 515–522 USD/tonne CFR Ho Chi Minh City. Despite higher input costs, particularly for coking coal, steel and iron ore prices continue to face pressure from weak downstream demand. The prolonged downturn in China’s property sector, a major source of global steel consumption, continues to weigh on international demand and profit margins, prompting some mills to reduce production to limit losses. The weak demand outlook is expected to remain a key barrier to a sustained recovery in steel prices in the near term.

Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance is consulting on a draft National Assembly resolution to reduce corporate and personal income taxes for enterprises, business households and individuals, aiming to provide fiscal support during the economic recovery. Lower tax liabilities could improve working capital and help steel-consuming sectors manage high input and operating costs, while supporting investment in production and automation. For steel manufacturers and downstream companies, the policy could provide additional financial support for maintaining production and expanding capacity, although its impact will depend on clear implementation guidelines and simplified administrative procedures.

SMC Trading Investment JSC (SMC) plans to issue shares to swap up to VND272 billion of debt and bonds, aiming to reduce cash repayment pressure, lower interest and financing costs, and strengthen its equity base. The move comes as SMC’s H1 2026 steel consumption fell 43% year on year to nearly 144,000 tonnes and net revenue dropped 37.3% to VND2.38 trillion, although the company returned to a net profit of nearly VND42 billion from a loss of VND81 billion a year earlier. The debt restructuring, together with asset disposals and debt recovery, is expected to improve SMC’s financial position and allow the company to refocus on its core steel trading and distribution business.