Steelmakers' Profits to Decline Amid Rising Imports and Price Burdens
Steel

Steelmakers' Profits to Decline Amid Rising Imports and Price Burdens

Profits for most steelmakers are expected to decline for the third consecutive quarter, despite an increase in domestic steel consumption, according to analysts. The December quarter, typically a strong period for steel producers, has been impacted by an influx of cheaper steel imports, which have put downward pressure on domestic prices and profitability. Finished steel imports into India have reached a six-year high, with over 7 million tonnes imported between April and December 2024. Average steel prices dropped 15% year-on-year and over 5% quarter-on-quarter in the October-December period, with flat steel prices continuing to decline while long steel products saw some recovery. Steelmakers with a higher proportion of long steel products, like Jindal Steel and Power (JSPL) and Steel Authority of India (SAIL), are expected to fare better than those with a higher share of flat steel, such as JSW Steel and Tata Steel. Nuvama Institutional Equities noted that JSPL and SAIL may post higher EBITDA per tonne, while JSW and Tata Steel are likely to see profitability declines. In addition to the price variations between flat and long steel, raw material prices have moved in opposing directions. Coking coal prices have fallen, while iron ore prices have increased. Companies with captive iron ore mines are expected to benefit from this price shift. While India’s steel consumption grew 12% year-on-year to nearly 100 million tonnes between April and November 2024, weak demand in China and increased exports from India have negatively impacted earnings. JSW Steel, India’s largest steel producer, has already reduced its capital expenditure for the year, and other companies may follow suit if steel prices remain subdued. Analysts suggest that Chinese stimulus, US tariff actions, and decisions on safeguard duties will be key factors influencing steel prices moving forward. (ET)

Profits for most steelmakers are expected to decline for the third consecutive quarter, despite an increase in domestic steel consumption, according to analysts. The December quarter, typically a strong period for steel producers, has been impacted by an influx of cheaper steel imports, which have put downward pressure on domestic prices and profitability. Finished steel imports into India have reached a six-year high, with over 7 million tonnes imported between April and December 2024. Average steel prices dropped 15% year-on-year and over 5% quarter-on-quarter in the October-December period, with flat steel prices continuing to decline while long steel products saw some recovery. Steelmakers with a higher proportion of long steel products, like Jindal Steel and Power (JSPL) and Steel Authority of India (SAIL), are expected to fare better than those with a higher share of flat steel, such as JSW Steel and Tata Steel. Nuvama Institutional Equities noted that JSPL and SAIL may post higher EBITDA per tonne, while JSW and Tata Steel are likely to see profitability declines. In addition to the price variations between flat and long steel, raw material prices have moved in opposing directions. Coking coal prices have fallen, while iron ore prices have increased. Companies with captive iron ore mines are expected to benefit from this price shift. While India’s steel consumption grew 12% year-on-year to nearly 100 million tonnes between April and November 2024, weak demand in China and increased exports from India have negatively impacted earnings. JSW Steel, India’s largest steel producer, has already reduced its capital expenditure for the year, and other companies may follow suit if steel prices remain subdued. Analysts suggest that Chinese stimulus, US tariff actions, and decisions on safeguard duties will be key factors influencing steel prices moving forward. (ET)

Next Story
Real Estate

Mahindra Lifespaces Bags Rs 12.5 billion Redevelopment in Mulund

Mahindra Lifespace Developers (MLDL), the real estate and infrastructure development arm of the Mahindra Group, has been appointed as the preferred developer for the redevelopment of a premium housing society in Mulund (West), Mumbai. The project will be developed across a 3.08-acre land parcel, with an estimated development value of approximately Rs 12.5 billion. Strategically located, the site enjoys proximity to major connectivity points—just 1.4 km from the upcoming Mumbai Metro Line 5 and 0.8 km from the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road. It also offers seamless access to the Eastern Expre..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Snowman Adds Warehouses in Kolkata and Krishnapatnam

Snowman Logistics, India’s leading integrated temperature-controlled logistics company, has announced the commencement of operations at its two new state-of-the-art, owned cold storage facilities in Kolkata and Krishnapatnam. With these additions, the company’s total pallet capacity has reached 1,50,754, spanning 43 warehouses in 20 cities across the country. The newly operational Kolkata facility offers a storage capacity of 5,630 pallets, while the Krishnapatnam facility holds 3,927 pallets. These warehouses are equipped with advanced automation and infrastructure designed to enhanc..

Next Story
Resources

Noesis Enables IHCL Hotel Deal in Udupi–Manipal Corridor

NOESIS Capital Advisors, India’s leading hotel investment advisory firm, has successfully facilitated a landmark hospitality transaction in the Udupi–Manipal region of Karnataka. The deal involves the acquisition of a nearly completed, 130-key upscale hotel that will operate under one of the premium brands of IHCL, reinforcing NOESIS’ position as a preferred partner for strategic hospitality transactions across India. Strategically located on the Udupi–Manipal Highway, the 1.03-acre property will cater to business travellers, pilgrims and families visiting Manipal University. With..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?