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After a difficult few years, is 2026 the year of a turn-around? As the world shifts into another ‘new normal,’ companies which keep abreast of the fast-changing markets will capitalise on the steel industry’ rebound.China’s economic slowdown is now better understood and factored in. Policy responses have been more mature than in previous crises and the benefits could begin to pay off. The wave of steel exports has crested and some space has been created for other exporting economies and local producers.
India has meanwhile shown that its underlying demand and investment growth can continue even through turbulent periods. No matter what political or economic hurdles emerge, capacity, consumption and trading volumes are all increasing.
The other East Asian giants meanwhile continue their progress in decarbonising and off-shoring their heavy industries. The change in capacities and commercial priorities is influencing markets far beyond the region.
Southeast Asia has continued to bring on capacity and to support demand through infrastructure, though with varying success. A myriad of trade and policy barriers complicate the situation, while the response to geopolitical factors has triggered currency and balance of payment issues. As the global trade environment comes to terms with new expectations however, the region stands to gain from greater certainty.
In such a complicated world, the industry needs to come together to understand the opportunities that are emerging. The acceptance of a changing world economic order must be accompanied by repositioning to maximise economic advantage. There is one event where all this can be discussed with the global steel community: Asia Steel Markets 2026.
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Event Venue
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tickets
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
