[SMM Iron & Steel] Asian Billet Supply Remains Tight; Prices to Southeast Asia Expected to Rise Further

【SMM Steel】Tata Steel signed a final agreement with SMS group's Paul Wurth to introduce EASyMelt technology at its Jamshedpur plant. The project marks the first industrial-scale demonstration of the electrified smelting process at BF E. EASyMelt combines electricity with syngas, reducing coke reliance while allowing flexible fuel use (natural gas, hydrogen, ammonia). The technology offers a cost-effective decarbonization pathway by retrofitting existing assets, cutting CO₂ by >50%. The move supports Tata Steel's 2045 net-zero target.

[SMM Steel] Vietnam imported approximately 3.62 million mt of steel in Q1 2026, valued at around $2.61 billion, according to customs data. Import volumes and value declined by 3.33% and 1.52% YoY, respectively, while the average import price rose 1.86% YoY to $719.85/mt. China remained the largest supplier, accounting for over 40% of total import value, underscoring its dominant role in Vietnam’s steel import structure.

【SMM Steel】Japan's METI announced a ¥1tr investment plan by 2030 to expand resource recycling infrastructure, targeting metals, rare earths, plastics, and critical materials to cut import reliance. In steel, Japan aims to add 2 Mt/y of high-quality scrap processing capacity and raise e-waste processing to 500,000 t/y. Recycled materials will account for 40% of Al output, 30% of domestic electrolytic Cu, and 30% of rare earth magnet materials. Japan also targets securing Li, Ni, Co supplies and shares in green steel/low-carbon Al markets.