Mild Steel News Today

China's 1,4-Butanediol (BDO) exports are expected to drop short-term due to the European Commission's provisional anti-dumping duty (disclosed Jan 8) and the abolishment of VAT export rebates.

China's benzene market faces supply pressure in 2026 due to 2.77 million t/y new capacity. This will lead to a 790,000-tonne annual surplus, causing inventory accumulation and a looser supply-demand dynamic.

China will abolish PV export VAT rebates from April 1, 2026. This move is expected to boost EVA prices short-term, and long-term, drive industry upgrading, consolidation, and globalized capacity layout, as announced on January 8.

A 13% VAT export rebate for PVC products (codes 39041090, 39042100, 39042200) will be cancelled from April 1, 2026. This aims to promote structural adjustment and upgrading of the PVC industry.

China's acrylonitrile prices hit a five-year low in early 2026, reaching Yuan 7,000/tonne in Shandong. Persistent oversupply and weak demand caused significant inventory build-up, pushing producers into losses.

Tight copper concentrate supply is expected to pressure smelter margins in Q1. This trend is part of a broader metals trade review covering iron ore, coal, copper, alumina, cobalt, lithium, nickel, steel, and scrap.

Iron ore futures rose as China pledged new stimulus policies to boost domestic consumption. This move lifted market sentiment, impacting global commodity prices.

The India steel index posted a marginal week-on-week increase as domestic prices showed signs of moderation following a recent sharp surge. Trade-level hot-rolled coil (HRC) prices recorded a strong week-on-week rise, supported by positive policy developments. Blast furnace (BF) rebar prices continued to gain momentum, while induction furnace (IF) rebar prices softened slightly. Overall steel prices remained in positive territory, driven by ongoing inventory drawdowns across the market.

Piyush Goyal suggests concessions for precast & steel construction to reduce dust pollution in Mumbai. Incentives discussed with CM.

Indian Railways is testing galvanized steel rails in coastal regions to combat corrosion, aiming to extend track life and save on renewal costs.