According to Outokumpu’s quarterly report, the Finnish stainless steel producer increased shipments by 27% in January-March 2026 compared to the previous quarter, reaching 465,000 tons. The company attributes this market improvement to seasonal demand recovery and the implementation of the EU's CBAM mechanism starting in 2026. For the European market, this indicates a strengthening of local producers' positions and a shift in the competitive balance for imported supplies.
Shipment Volumes and Financial Performance
The most significant growth occurred in Europe, where stainless steel shipments reached 324,000 tons. This represents a 46% increase quarter-over-quarter and a 2% increase year-over-year. A partial resolution of issues with the new ERP system and logistics planning at the Tornio site also contributed to the recovery.
In North America, shipments grew more modestly—by 3% compared to the previous quarter, totaling 148,000 tons. However, compared to the same period last year, the figure remained 5% lower. The company noted a recovery in demand from data centers, the pipe industry, and specific industrial segments in the USA.
Improved market conditions positively impacted financial results. Outokumpu's adjusted EBITDA rose to €65 million, compared to €10 million in the previous quarter and €49 million a year ago. Revenue reached €1.45 billion, signaling an operational recovery after a challenging period at the end of 2025.
Market Impact and Solutions from winox.ua
The launch of CBAM is already restructuring competition within the EU market, as imported stainless steel loses part of its price advantage due to the carbon component in delivery costs. This supports demand for European products with a lower carbon footprint while increasing requirements for supply chain transparency. For companies working with exports or sourcing metal for production, this is a clear signal to re-evaluate origins and contract economics.
In this environment, a reliable supplier capable of providing predictable procurement terms becomes vital. The company winox.ua offers certified rolled metal, stainless steel, and non-ferrous metals, helping industrial clients establish stable supplies under current market requirements. As regulatory changes affect price structures and material availability, product quality, verified origin, and flexible procurement planning become critical for business survival.
Current dynamics also suggest that in the stainless steel segment, environmental parameters are becoming as important as basic pricing factors. Therefore, winox.ua, as a provider of industrial solutions, serves as an essential partner for enterprises adapting their procurement policies to new EU rules. This is particularly relevant for manufacturers focused on long-term contracts and continuous production processes.
Market Outlook for the Second Quarter
Outokumpu predicts further improvement in results for the second quarter of 2026, expecting stainless steel shipments to grow by another 0-10% compared to the first quarter. This forecast suggests that the effects of CBAM and seasonal recovery are persisting. If this trend continues, the European market could see more sustained support for local production.
On a global scale, the situation remains mixed. According to data cited by GMK Center, global stainless steel production grew by 2.1% in 2025 to 64.2 million tons, while the EU reduced output by 1.9% to 5.7 million tons. This means any demand recovery in the EU will be significant not only for European mills but for the entire rolled metal supply chain in the region.