【SMM Steel】Bilfinger wins contract for EWE's hydrogen plant in Emden, Germany

SMM News Flash: Indian HRC SAE1006 offers to Vietnam dropped to 590-595 USD/tonne CFR for July shipments, below offers from Formosa Ha Tinh Steel and other overseas suppliers. However, market transactions remained limited as most Vietnamese buyers had already booked sufficient domestic volumes, particularly from Hoa Phat, according to market participants.

【SMM Steel】Tata Steel IJmuiden has signed a cooperation agreement with low-carbon cement technology company Ecocem to develop new applications for steelmaking slag in cement and concrete production, targeting lower CO₂ emissions and greater circularity in construction. The companies have signed an MoU. Unlike widely used blast furnace slag, these materials are currently underutilized. By replacing clinker—the most carbon-intensive ingredient in cement—these slag-based materials can significantly cut emissions while creating value from industrial by-products. The partnership supports Tata Steel's Groen Staal decarbonization program and expands sustainable material options for the construction industry.

【SMM Steel】SSAB's conversion of its Oxelösund mill to fossil-free steel production has been delayed due to permitting appeals linked to species protection, affecting the required power line. Vattenfall Eldistribution confirmed the delay, impacting the planned early 2027 start-up. SSAB stated that Sweden's permitting and grid connection processes create uncertainty for industrial electrification projects. SSAB's CEO criticized Sweden's permit and grid approval procedures, emphasizing the EU considers steel a strategic sector. The company will provide updates once the delay timeline is clearer. The postponement is not expected to affect SSAB's 2026 results or customer deliveries. Upon completion, the project is expected to cut Sweden's CO₂ emissions by about 3%.