[First Steel Column of 2 Million mt Hot-Rolled Coil Plant Hoisted in Egypt, Marking Shougang's North African Milestone]

【SMM Steel】Taiwan's CSC is expected to raise July HRC prices by 300-500 TWD/tonne, but faces resistance from downstream buyers as Asian HRC prices have recently dropped due to currency depreciation, trader short-selling, and falling Chinese markets. Local buyers argue that raising Taiwanese prices during an Asian downturn creates an awkward mismatch. They propose a compromise: a nominal price increase offset by private discounts. Market participants note Taiwan operates at its own pace, especially after AD duties on Chinese HRC, and suggest CSC focus on completing AD measures against Chinese CR steel to secure long-term domestic stability.

【SMM Steel】Quang Ngai province has approved partial adjustments to the 1/2000-scale zoning plan for the Eastern Dung Quat Industrial Park to resolve technical infrastructure obstacles and attract new energy and industrial investments. The revised plan adds LNG pipeline and coal gas pipeline corridors to support two major ongoing projects: the Dung Quat LNG Port, Terminal & Storage project and the Hoa Phat Dung Quat Rail & Special Steel Production project. Provincial authorities have directed relevant agencies to finalize the revised documents, which must align with seaport regulations, environmental standards, and fire safety protocols.

【SMM Steel】ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India has achieved global first mass production of EQ70 ultra-high-strength SAW pipes at its Hazira facility, certified by ABS. The product has minimum yield strength of 690 MPa, equivalent to API 5L X100Q, and is designed for offshore engineering including jack-up rigs, deepwater pipelines, and offshore wind. These welded pipes replace imported seamless pipes, reducing lead times and costs while improving supply security for India's engineering sector.