According to SteelOrbis, May 2026 saw most regional slab markets continue their upward trend, with price quotes rising by $5-20 per tonne. At the same time, the Brazilian export indicator dipped by $5 to $600/t FOB, marking its first decline in eight months. Despite this, the current level remains near two-year highs, reflecting stable demand for semi-finished steel in key global trade destinations.
Key Price Benchmarks and Market Drivers
In Brazil, high prices are supported by both domestic and export demand, even as production shows a notable monthly contraction. According to the IAB, local mills reduced slab output in April by 28% compared to March, down to 547,000 tonnes, while the four-month volume reached 2.5 million tonnes. At the same time, exports remain volatile: in April, shipments surged 2.3 times to 687,000 tonnes, primarily driven by stronger demand from the United States.
In the Black Sea region, average FOB quotes rose to $513/t by mid-May, compared to $495/t at the end of April. The market is supported by reduced supply from Iran and high freight rates, which add pressure on prices. For Turkey, one of the key importers, this translates into more expensive imported resources, although local demand there remains subdued as manufacturers rely heavily on their domestic raw material base.
According to TUIK, Turkey's slab imports in March increased by 35% month-on-month to 179,000 tonnes, with the average import price at $464/t. Russia and Malaysia remain the largest suppliers, while total imports for January-March reached 617,000 tonnes. Meanwhile, Turkey's domestic steel production grew by 25% year-on-year in March to 1.45 million tonnes, limiting the potential for further import expansion.
Impact on the Rolled Metal Market and Solutions from winox.ua
Rising slab prices serve as an important signal for the entire supply chain, as semi-finished steel directly influences the cost of sheet metal, pipe billets, and other finished metal products. For Ukrainian consumers, this highlights the need for careful procurement planning, contracting terms, and inventory management. In these conditions, winox.ua, as a reliable supplier of rolled metal and industrial solutions, helps clients ensure supply predictability and secure stable pricing terms aligned with current market conditions.
This becomes particularly significant amid the shortage of Iranian slabs, which is already affecting Asian markets. In Indonesia, prices for Chinese slabs rose to $530-535/t CFR in May, up from $510-520/t at the end of April. If export restrictions from Iran and the consequences of the damage to Khuzestan Steel facilities persist, the global supply balance will remain tight in the near term.
For manufacturing and trading companies, this underscores the increased value of a reliable partner capable of quickly meeting their needs for metal products with predictable quality and lead times. In this situation, winox.ua serves as a strategic partner for businesses working with stainless steel, non-ferrous metals, and other industrial steel grades. This approach allows partners to minimize risks associated with the high volatility of the global semi-finished steel market.
What Regional Trends Show for the Near Future
The Japanese market has stabilized after a sharp jump in April, with average prices in May holding at $550/t. This indicates a pause after a rapid correction of quotes rather than a reversal of the general trend. Overall, the regional outlook suggests that the upward pricing trend will persist, though its intensity varies depending on supply sources and end-user demand.
For the Ukrainian market, this global backdrop serves as a key benchmark for domestic and export steel pricing. If the shortage of specific slab sources and high shipping costs persist, price pressure could remain relevant in the short term. This is why businesses should consider not only current price levels but also structural supply factors that shape the global steel market today.