HKM prepares BF B restart after revamp

German steel plant Hüttenwerke Krupp Mannesmann (HKM), owned by Salzgitter, said it is preparing to resume operations at blast furnace B after maintenance.

While the steelmaker did not specify the date of the BF B relaunch, it will perform equipment tests during the next two weeks before restarting. The furnace relining was announced in late May 2026 and started soon after the statement was made.

HKM is equipped with two BFs: furnace B has annual capacity of 2.7 mt of pig iron and BF A – 2.5 mt.

In July this year, Salzgitter acquired 100% of HKM’s shares, finalizing the transfer of ownership from Thyssenkrupp and Vallourec.

Following the share acquisition, Salzgitter initiated decarbonization plans for the HKM subsidiary, signing a contract with Tenova for the engineering, delivery, and installation of an electric arc furnace (EAF). The new furnace will be Germany’s largest and the second largest within the European Union with an annual capacity of 2.5 mt and a planned production target of 2 mt of green steel. The implementation phase will start in August this year and is scheduled for completion in 2029.

To learn more about Salzgitter’s decarbonization initiatives and those of other steelmakers globally, see McCloskey’s Global Green Steel Profile.

Author: Maria Tanatar

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European CRC, HDG prices rise amid tight supply, improving demand

Prices for cold-rolled coil and hot-dipped galvanized coil rose in late August, supported by tight supply and improving demand.

Tight supply is mainly seen in the cold-rolled coil segment. Market participants explained that the earlier availability of significant volumes of relatively cheap imports forced local suppliers to reduce production. While there are still some previously delivered volumes of imported CRC available in ports, after they are depleted it will be difficult to replenish them, considering a tighter safeguard quota and the burden of Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) costs and anti-dumping duties.

In such conditions, the market’s reliance on locally produced CRC will increase, which in turn may spur mills to increase production. However, so far market sources report that one of the German suppliers will not have many volumes to offer for the spot market until the end of the year, having allocated the volumes to be produced to its regular customers.

In such conditions, the remaining producers are increasing prices.

In Northern Europe, the most recent deals as well as indications of tradeable levels came within €845-850 per tonne ex-works, versus €825 per tonne ex-works in the first half of August.

Fastmarkets’ weekly price assessment for steel cold-rolled coil domestic, exw Northern Europe moved up to €845-850 per tonne on August 26, from €825-830 per tonne on August 19.

After the assessment was filed, sales at €850-860 per tonne ex-works were reported.

The market in Southern Europe was comparatively quieter, as market participants, especially from Italy, had not yet fully returned after the summer break.

Most recent targets of Italian mills were voiced at €860 per tonne delivered or €845 per tonne ex-works before the end of the summer break, but no transactions were heard above €835 per tonne ex-works.

In the Iberian Peninsula, the most recent deals were said to be done at €860 per tonne delivered or €845 per tonne ex-works, with the key supplier targeting €880 per tonne delivered in the new round, which is netting back to €865 per tonne ex-works.

The assessment for steel cold-rolled coil domestic, exw Southern Europe was €835-845 per tonne on August 26, up from €830-835 per tonne on August 19.

Hot-dipped galvanized coil prices were somewhat lower compared with cold-rolled coil prices, reflecting better availability. However, a market source from Germany pointed out that demand from the automotive industry is picking up, which should help match HDG prices with those for CRC.

In Northern Europe, deals and tradeable levels for hot-dipped galvanized coil varied within €820-835 per tonne depending on the size of the cargo, which was reflected in the corresponding Fastmarkets assessment.

The weekly price assessment for steel hot-dipped galvanized coil domestic, exw Northern Europe was €820-835 per tonne on August 26, widening upward from €820-830 per tonne on August 19.

In the Iberian Peninsula, indications of tradeable levels came within €840-850 per tonne delivered, netting back to €825-835 per tonne ex-works.

Meanwhile, the Italian market was still quiet.

Fastmarkets’ weekly price assessment for steel hot-dipped galvanized coil domestic, exw Southern Europe moved up to €825-835 per tonne on August 26 from €815-825 per tonne on August 19.

On the import side, limited tonnages of South Korean CRC were heard offered at €860 per tonne DDP.

HDG offers from India were heard at $870-880 (€750-760) per tonne CFR.

Author: Vlada Novokreshchenova

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Northern Europe HRC prices extend gains; Italian market quiet amid supply constraints

The hot-rolled coil market in Northern Europe continued to show positive momentum through the week ending Friday August 28, with market sources reporting higher tradeable levels and offers.

The Italian market was comparatively quieter amid supply constraints, while some market participants believed this would soon result in Italian prices matching those in Northern Europe.

The most recent indications of tradeable levels in Northern Europe varied within a wide range of €730-750 ($850-874) per tonne ex-works.

A seller source reported a tradeable-level indication for material scheduled for delivery in a week or two within the range of €730-740 per tonne ex-works, and another indication at €740-760 per tonne ex-works for material scheduled for delivery in October.

Other market sources contacted by Fastmarkets also indicated tradeable levels within the range of €730-750 per tonne ex-works.

At the same time, offers from suppliers in Germany and the Benelux area varied within the range of €770 per tonne ex-works to €800 per tonne delivered, which is equivalent to €785 per tonne ex-works.

Fastmarkets’ daily steel hot-rolled coil index domestic, exw Northern Europe was calculated at €741.25 ($863.58) per tonne on August 28, unchanged day on day.

The index was up by €19.17 per tonne week on week and by €32.50 per tonne month on month.

In Italy, the market leader was said to raise offers to €750 per tonne delivered or €735 per tonne ex-works; however, the most recent tradeable levels varied within the range of €710-720 per tonne ex-works.

Nevertheless, market participants interviewed by Fastmarkets believed the level targeted by the market leader would be quickly achieved, considering production issues at other suppliers, which, combined with constrained imports, are leading to reduced availability of the material in Italy.

Metinvest’s Ferriera Valsider has recently announced force majeure following a problem with its engine.

Meanwhile, Acciaierie d’Italia (ADI) might be forced to stop steelmaking by October, following the recent court ruling.

Fastmarkets’ daily steel hot-rolled coil index domestic, exw Italy was calculated at €717.5 per tonne on August 28, stable day on day.

The index was up by €5 per tonne week on week and by €7.81 per tonne month on month.

The import segment was quiet, with a minimal number of offers heard during the week to August 28.

Turkish HRC was available at €540 per tonne CFR, excluding any duties. The material from South Korea was offered at €720 per tonne DDP.

Author: Vlada Novokreshchenova

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Von der Leyen: Energy costs must be reduced to strengthen European industry’s competitiveness

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that energy costs must be reduced, companies’ administrative burdens eased, and industrial investments supported in order to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness.
Von der Leyen noted that energy prices in Europe are two to three times higher than in the United States and China, and said that the EU would once again place industry at the center of its policies.
Speaking at the annual conference organized by the Movement of the Enterprises of France (MEDEF) in Paris, von der Leyen said that the conditions that had supported Europe’s economic model for many years including cheap imported energy, open global trade, increasing access to the Chinese market, strategic protection provided by the United States and the West’s technological superiority had now disappeared.
She said European companies are simultaneously facing high energy prices, fragmentation within the Single Market, complex regulations and unfair competition, stressing the need to create more favorable conditions for companies to invest.
Administrative Burden on Companies to Be Cut by 25%
Von der Leyen said industry would once again be given greater prominence in EU policies, stating: “Our goal is to make Europe a continent that produces, invests and ensures its own security.”
She announced that the EU aims to reduce the administrative burden on companies by 25% by 2029, adding that the 12 simplification packages being prepared are expected to save companies approximately €17 billion annually.
She said the entire body of EU legislation would be reviewed, with duplicate regulations and reporting requirements reduced and permitting procedures accelerated.
Trade Deficit with China Reaches EUR1 Billion per Day
Von der Leyen stressed the importance of ensuring fair conditions in international trade to protect the competitiveness of European industry. Describing China as an important economic partner for the EU, she said the bloc’s approach was to “de-risk without decoupling.”
She said some Chinese companies receive up to eight times more government support than comparable companies in OECD countries. Imports from China have increased by 45% over the past five years, while EU exports to China have declined.
Von der Leyen said the EU’s trade deficit with China has reached approximately EUR1 billion per day and that the deficit increased by a further 10% at the beginning of this year. She added that, for the first time, all EU member states are running trade deficits with China.
She noted that the EU’s dependence on China exceeds 80% for many critical raw materials and 90% for some rare earth elements. While dialogue with China will continue, she said the EU must be prepared to use its trade defence instruments if sufficient progress cannot be achieved.
European Energy Prices Are 2–3 Times Higher Than in the US and China
Von der Leyen identified energy costs as one of the key factors limiting Europe’s competitiveness, noting that energy prices in Europe are two to three times higher than those in the United States and China.
She said more than half of the energy consumed in Europe still comes from imported fossil fuels, adding that dependence on imported fossil fuels has cost Europe more than €50 billion in additional expenses since the beginning of the crisis in the Middle East.
For this reason, von der Leyen emphasized the need for Europe to increase its own low-carbon energy production. She noted that more than 70% of the electricity generated in the EU comes from low-carbon sources, including renewables and nuclear power, but electricity accounts for only around one-quarter of final energy consumption.
EUR10 Trillion in Savings to Be Redirected Towards Investment
Von der Leyen said that Europe lacks sufficient financing capacity to support the growth of European companies and stated that efforts would be made to channel approximately EUR10 trillion in household savings held in European bank accounts into investment.
She noted that the Single Market remains incomplete in areas such as services, energy, telecommunications, finance and the digital economy, adding that this can have an effect similar to customs duties within the EU.
Describing artificial intelligence as one of the most powerful tools for improving productivity, von der Leyen said the EU has allocated EUR20 billion to establish large-scale AI infrastructure.

Author: SteelRadar Editorial Team

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Gonvarri invests €116.4 Million in Low-Carbon Steel and Clean Energy

Gonvarri Industries, a Spain-based steel processing and metal solutions manufacturer, continued its investments in sustainability, low-emission steel, energy efficiency, and new technologies in 2025.
According to the company’s 2025 Sustainability Report, Gonvarri Industries made EUR 116.4 million in capital expenditures during the year, with projects focused on low-carbon steel, renewable energy and the electrification of production processes standing out.
The company’s sales volume reached approximately 5 million tons in 2025, while EBITDA stood at EUR 335 million. Gonvarri operates in 27 countries with 56 production facilities.
RECA fully acquired
Of Gonvarri’s EUR 116.4 million CAPEX spending in 2025, EUR 29.8 million was allocated to mergers and acquisitions.
The report stated that the acquisition of 100% of RECA was an important step in bringing new technological capabilities into the group, expanding its presence in strategic markets and increasing business diversification.
Partnerships in low-carbon steel expanded
Gonvarri Industries stated that the use of low-emission steel in Europe is gradually increasing, depending on factors such as availability, certification, cost and technological maturity.
The company signed cooperation agreements with ArcelorMittal, thyssenkrupp Steel and Hydnum Steel to increase the use of steel with a lower carbon footprint.
In addition, low-emission steel solar tracking systems were supplied for Iberdrola’s photovoltaic projects in Portugal, while low-emission galvanized products were supplied to Schneider from Gonvarri Barcelona.
Environmental Product Declarations were prepared for galvanized coils at Gonvarri Barcelona and for crash barriers and road safety terminals at Gonvarri Asturias.
Scope 1 emissions down 14% from 2022
Under Gonvarri’s Carbon Neutral 2030-2050 Plan, the company aims to reduce Scope 1 emissions by 50% from 2022 levels by 2030 and source 100% of purchased energy from renewable sources.
In 2025, Scope 1 emissions, including Gonvvama, decreased by 4% compared with 2024 and by 14% compared with the 2022 baseline. The company therefore exceeded its 12% interim reduction target set for 2025. During the same period, 61% of electricity and 29% of heat and steam used came from renewable sources.
122 energy efficiency projects implemented
Gonvarri commissioned nine energy efficiency projects at nine plants in 2025. Six of these projects focused on reducing natural gas and propane consumption, while three targeted electricity consumption.
The projects are expected to generate more than 4 GWh of annual energy savings and reduce CO₂ emissions by 1,229 tons.
The total number of projects and measures implemented under the ECO-ENERGY program since 2015 reached 122, generating more than 30 GWh in annual energy savings. This corresponds to a reduction of more than 9% in the group’s energy consumption.
In Türkiye, improvements to the combustion system of the ÇEPAS galvanizing furnace reduced natural gas consumption by 9%, electricity consumption by 50% and zinc consumption by more than 5%.
More than 12 GWh generated by 20 solar plants
By the end of 2025, Gonvarri had 20 solar energy facilities used for self-consumption. These facilities generated more than 12 GWh of electricity annually.
New solar facilities were commissioned at Gonvarri Asturias, Senica, Laubac and Popes Lane.
Gonvarri Solar Steel supplied solar energy structures to nine countries in 2025. According to the company’s calculations, these projects indirectly avoided approximately 1.08 million tons of CO₂ emissions throughout the year.
10-year PPA signed covering plants in five countries
Gonvarri signed a 10-year European virtual power purchase agreement (PPA) starting in 2026.
The agreement covers facilities in Portugal, Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. The company plans to source 100% of the electricity consumed at these facilities from renewable sources.
Green hydrogen project under development in Barcelona
Gonvarri is developing a green hydrogen production system at its Barcelona facility under the HYGreen BCNA project.
The project includes plans to install 300 kWp of solar capacity and a 100 kW electrolyzer. The hydrogen produced will be used together with natural gas in boilers to reduce Scope 1 emissions.
The report also noted that H2Greem has developed a 250 kW electrolyzer stack.
CBAM preparations extended across the supply chain
In 2025, Gonvarri continued collecting and verifying embedded emissions data from its suppliers in preparation for CBAM obligations.
From 2026, the company plans to further integrate CBAM requirements into supplier management, with a particular focus on data reliability, preparation for carbon costs and compliance processes.
In 2025, the share of secondary material in Gonvarri’s steel sourcing mix averaged 14%.
The company considers the 2026-2027 period a regulatory and industrial turning point for the gradual integration of low-carbon and green steel into its product portfolio.

Author: SteelRadar Editorial Team

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Romania launches new railway investment plan that could support steel demand

The Romanian government has approved the 2026–2030 Railway Infrastructure Development Plan, aimed at halting the technical deterioration of the country’s railway network and accelerating accumulated renewal works. Under the new plan, Romania intends to carry out maintenance, renewal, modernization and expansion of railway infrastructure, while continuing priority projects along the European TEN-T railway corridors.
According to data released by the Romanian government, the country’s railway infrastructure has deteriorated significantly due to years of insufficient funding.
In 1990, railway lines overdue for renewal totaled 1,364 km, accounting for 10.10% of the network. By 2010, this figure had risen to 5,596 km, or 41.14%.
As of 2025, the length of railway lines that had exceeded their technical lifespan reached 9,753 km, representing 72.56% of the total network. The government noted that this figure has nearly doubled over the past 15 years.
Only 45.76% of funding needs were met in the previous period
The government stated that financial resources provided during the 2021–2025 period covered only 45.76% of the actual funding required for railway infrastructure. The funding gap for maintenance and repair of existing infrastructure alone exceeded RON 12 billion.
Insufficient funding has resulted in speed restrictions across the railway network and accelerated infrastructure deterioration. During the same period, rail passenger transport declined by more than 2%, while freight transport fell by around 23%. The previous plan had targeted 25% growth in the transport market.
Railway network renewal will be a priority
Under the 2026–2030 plan, accelerating the renewal of railway infrastructure accumulated from previous periods has been identified as a key priority.
Other main objectives include improving the competitiveness of rail transport in the domestic market and strengthening the integration of Romania’s railway network into the common European railway system.
The program covers various areas of the railway system, from basic maintenance and operational activities to infrastructure renewal and expansion, while also including administrative reforms aimed at improving the sector’s efficiency.
Investments could support steel demand
The implementation of the planned railway investments could support demand for steel products used in Romania’s railway and construction sectors. In particular, rail and other long steel product consumption could increase as railway lines are renewed, while structural steel and rebar demand may benefit from bridge, station and related infrastructure works.
Electrification and railway superstructure investments could also generate additional demand for various steel structures and fastening components. However, the Romanian government has not provided any estimate for the volume of steel to be used during the 2026–2030 period or the potential impact of the investments on the country’s overall steel consumption.

 

Author: SteelRadar Editorial Team

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New Russian attack damages production infrastructure at Metinvest’s Zaporizhstal

Ukrainian mining and steel group Metinvest has announced that Russian forces carried out another attack on its Zaporizhstal steel plant in the early hours of August 27, following the previous attack on August 11 that had resulted in a complete production shutdown.

According to the company, five ballistic missiles struck blast furnace equipment, energy and transport infrastructure and open areas of the plant. No fatalities or injuries were reported in the latest attack, as employees on shift reached shelters after the air raid alert was issued.

Metinvest stated that specialists are currently assessing the extent of the damage and inspecting the plant’s production, energy and transport infrastructure to determine further steps. The company has not provided a timeframe for the resumption of production.

Latest strike occurs during recovery work from previous attack

As SteelOrbis reported earlier, the previous attack on August 11 resulted in the deaths of eight Zaporizhstal employees, while another 26 employees were injured. According to Metinvest, ballistic missiles hit the plant two minutes after the air raid alert was issued, damaging key blast furnace equipment, energy facilities and other infrastructure.

Following the August 11 attack, Zaporizhstal carried out emergency repair work and began dismantling damaged structures to access equipment, assess the damage and determine the possibilities for restoration. With production completely halted, the number of employees present at the plant was reduced, while a core team remained on site.

Metinvest COO Oleksandr Myronenko stated that the August 11 attack had caused destruction on a scale not experienced at Zaporizhstal since the Second World War and that the latest attack occurred while the company was still clearing debris from the previous strike. He also stressed that Zaporizhstal is a civilian industrial enterprise producing pig iron and rolled steel used in pipes, household appliances and motor vehicles and does not manufacture military products.

Author: SteelOrbis Editorial Team

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Salzgitter launches new wear-resistant TektoSal®450 steel for multiple applications

Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH, a subsidiary of German steelmaker Salzgitter AG, has announced the launch of TektoSal®450, a new wear-resistant special steel available to customers as strip steel.

Wear-intensive applications targeted

The material is suitable for applications including earthmoving and mining machinery, dump trucks, tanks, containers and mixer transport systems, as well as other components primarily exposed to abrasive wear. It also offers good weather resistance.

Salzgitter Flachstahl offers TektoSal®450 as unpickled strip steel with natural edges in thicknesses ranging from 3 mm to 5 mm and widths between 900 mm and 1,500 mm. The company stated that the material provides high weldability due to its chemical composition and excellent bendability in both longitudinal and transverse directions.

Author: SteelOrbis Editorial Team

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Graz university starts railway testing lab

The Technical University of Graz, Austria, on Thursday announced the inauguration of a railway testing laboratory which it says is unique in Europe.

The Railway and Infrastructure Laboratory (RaIL) will be able to test rail wear over their service life, among other criteria. The lab is the latest major investment of the university’s Institute for Railway Infrastructure Design. The institute’s research complements the activities of Austrian steelmaker voestalpine, which produces rails and other railway components.

One of the institute’s current research projects focuses on lighter steels for trains, Kallanish learns from Austria’s chamber of commerce, Wirtschaftskammer Österreich (WKÖ). Graz is developing harder steels with less weight. While harder steels are more difficult to weld, the institute is also developing corresponding welding technology in parallel, WKÖ explains on its website.

As an example, the chamber refers to locomotives of type Taurus, which have a weight of around 86 tonnes, and the Austrian railway operator ÖBB runs a fleet of 384 units.

Author: Christian Koehl Germany

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Netherlands introduces CO2 toll for road transport

The introduction of the Truck Tax Act in the Netherlands will mean additional transportation costs for Dutch and foreign trucks when passing through the country.

The Royal Dutch Steel Federation, Koninklijke Staalfederatie, is supporting its members with calculation patterns to obtain an understanding of the truck levy.

The truck levy entered into force in July and applies to Dutch and foreign vehicles with truck owners paying per kilometre.

A truck of Category Euro 5 is charged a levy of €0.236/km ($0.30) according to European emission standards. The levy applies on highways, and on some provincial and municipal roads. Each truck must have its own toll box on board that works in the Netherlands.

National steel distributors federation Staalfederatie has raised awareness among its member that the introduction of charge will have an impact on logistics processes, transport rates and cost price calculations within the steel industry.  It has established a working group to work out a practical translation of the consequences of the levy, and developed a model cost calculation, for members to gain insight into extra costs.

Staalfederatie tells Kallanish that it is up to the partners in a transaction how to deal with the costs. They might be added in a price-per-tonne, or price-per-order, or not handed down at all, depending on the individual relationship to the customer.

According to Dutch national government, Rijksoverheid, the truck levy contributes to a level playing field for international freight transport. On the dedicated Truck Tax Act website, it notes that the levy is broadly in line with the systems of other countries, such as Germany, Belgium and Denmark, but also the Dutch approach differs on several points.

Author: Christian Koehl Germany

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