In the global market for high-strength steels, demand in the Middle East were negatively affected by the war in the Persian Gulf. Demand in Europe is somewhat cautious and the third quarter had a normal seasonal weakness.
The European market for standard steel remained cautious during the third quarter, which was also seasonally weak. Inventory levels at distributors are assessed to be relatively normal. Import volumes have decreased following the new EU trade measures which entered into force on July 1. Prices for plate and strip in Europe increased in the quarter.
The North American plate market was strong during the third quarter and prices continued to increase. Inventory levels among North American distributors are assessed to be somewhat low.
Market prices in China for heavy plate and strip weakened in the middle of the quarter but recovered during the second half.
The costs of raw materials for all three steel divisions are expected to be somewhat higher compared to the third quarter of 2026. Other variable costs, such as freight and energy, are expected to remain on a high level.
| Q4 2026 vs. Q3 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Shipments | Realized prices | |
| SSAB Special Steel | Somewhat lower | Somewhat higher |
| SSAB Europe | Higher | Somewhat higher |
| SSAB Americas | Stable | Somewhat higher |
Definitions: Significantly lower (>10 %), Lower (5-10 %), Somewhat lower (0-5 %), Stable (~0 %), Somewhat higher (0-5 %), Higher (5-10 %), Significantly higher (>10 %)