[SMM Stainless Steel Flash] UK/EU Steel Prices Surge Amid Tariffs; India Grants Relief to SMEs

Published: May 4, 2026 11:34

Save

The UK plans to impose 50% steel tariffs and a 60% quota cut starting July 2026, potentially driving prices above €1,000/ton, causing the highest in Europe. Similarly, EU steel prices have risen 20% since October 2025, with a 34% total surge expected by mid-2026 due to new safeguards and CBAM. In stark contrast, the Indian Ministry of Steel issued a decree on April 27, 2026, exempting MSMEs from QCO compliance for specific stainless steel imports until October 2026. While Europe faces criticism for strangling its manufacturing backbone with bureaucracy and duties, India is moving to de-bureaucratize and support its smaller industrial players.

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 to learn 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 Analysis] The April turn: how Chinese stainless mills came around to higher NPI prices

Three distinct phases — scrap competition, supply-side cost shocks, and a refined nickel rally — show how pricing power for the world's dominant stainless steel feedstock now sits less in Jakarta than on the LME and SHFE.

1 hour ago

2 hours ago

【SMM Flash News】Indonesia's HMA Nickel Increased in Early May, Smelters Have Transitioned to New Benchmark System

Following the revision of Indonesia’s HPM formula to include Iron, Cobalt, and Chromium, SMM expects the pricing impact to vary significantly. According to SMM’s internal assumptions, Saprolite (20% Fe, 1% Cr, 0.05% Co) and Limonite (45% Fe, 2% Cr, 0.10% Co), calculated against the latest HMA benchmarks of $17,802/dmt for Nickel, an increase of 5.13%, $55,854/dmt for Cobalt, $1.56/dmt for Iron, and $6.37/dmt for Chrome. This modeling illustrates the impact of byproduct levels on the new benchmarks. These figures serve as a reference, though actual valuations will vary by mine geography and ore characteristics. • Ni 1.2%: USD 47.82/wmt (↑ $1.76) • Ni 1.3%: USD 52.34/wmt (↑ $1.98) • Ni 1.4%: USD 57.30/wmt (↑ $2.14) • Ni 1.5%: USD 62.28/wmt (↑ $2.38) • Ni 1.6%: USD 67.49/wmt (↑ $2.63)

2 hours ago

Apr 30, 2026 23:41

【SMM Analysis】Weekly Review of Indonesian Nickel Market - Apr 30

Apr 30, 2026 23:41