According to SteelOrbis, slab quotations continue to rise across all key regional markets in April, typically by $15–$20 per ton. The most significant jump was recorded in Japan, where average prices increased by $70 to reach $550/t. Market momentum is further driven by reduced supply from Iran, high freight rates, and strong demand in several regions, including Europe and the US.
Regional Dynamics and Key Growth Drivers
Brazilian slabs are rising to $605/t FOB in April, marking a two-year high. Data from the Brazilian Steel Institute shows local plants increased slab production by 25.5% month-on-month in March to 763,000 tons, with Q1 total reaching 1.9 million tons. Simultaneously, strong domestic demand in Brazil keeps export prices elevated.
Exports from Brazil remain volatile. In March, shipment volumes dropped 63% compared to February to 298,000 tons, largely due to decreased deliveries to the US. Notably, Brazilian slabs are becoming increasingly attractive to the EU following the launch of CBAM: in March, Brazil shipped 32,000 tons to France at $473/t FOB and 27,000 tons to Germany at $477/t FOB.
In the Black Sea region, average FOB quotations rose by $20 to $498/t in April, the highest level since early last year. Primary drivers include global supply deficits and more expensive logistics. The Asian market also maintains an upward trend due to a shortage of affordable semi-finished steel products.
Impact on the Rolled Steel Market and winox.ua Solutions
The rise in slab prices is a critical signal for the entire rolled steel production chain, as this semi-finished product directly impacts the cost of sheet and other steel products. For processors, traders, and manufacturing companies, this necessitates a rapid review of procurement strategies, especially in segments sensitive to imported raw materials. Amidst an upward price cycle, supply stability, contract predictability, and inventory control become increasingly vital.
Under these conditions, winox.ua, as a supplier of rolled metal and industrial solutions, helps businesses minimize risks associated with price volatility. The company focuses on reliable supply channels, offers stable commercial terms, and ensures continuous provision of metal products to production lines. For Ukrainian enterprises, this is particularly relevant when global semi-finished product quotations fluctuate rapidly, affecting the cost of finished rolled steel.
Iran presents a specific risk to the market. Export bans and damage to Khuzestan Steel facilities following air strikes on March 27 limit the return of Iranian slabs to the global market. Given that Iran remains a major producer of semi-finished products, its prolonged absence could continue to support high prices in the Black Sea basin, Asia, and adjacent regions.
Trends from Turkey and Japan
The Turkish market shows mixed signals. According to TUIK, slab imports rose 35% month-on-month in March to 179,000 tons, but overall demand remains limited as local producers shift toward domestic raw materials. Meanwhile, Turkey's own production rose 25% year-on-year in March to 1.45 million tons, with the first quarter up 17% to 4 million tons.
Japan has become the market with the sharpest April price increase, indicating a severe supply shortage in the Asian segment. If Iranian supplies do not recover soon and logistics costs remain high, the global slab market is highly likely to maintain its upward price trend. For buyers of metal products, this means that contracting and stockpiling decisions should account for a longer period of price pressure.