"Global Steel Demand Outlook to the Second Half of 2025: The Role of Emerging Markets as Growth Engines"

According to industry forecasts, global steel demand will remain stable in the second half of 2025, with emerging markets becoming the core driving force for consumption growth. This article focuses on the characteristics and growth drivers of steel demand in emerging markets: In Southeast Asia, accelerated urbanization is driving real estate and infrastructure projects (such as the construction of Indonesia's new capital), boosting demand for construction steel such as rebar and wire rod; in Africa, the development of new energy infrastructure (such as geothermal power plants in Kenya) and manufacturing parks is stimulating demand for medium and heavy plates and seamless steel pipes; in Latin America, localized production in the automotive industry (such as the expansion of automobile assembly plants in Brazil) is driving consumption of automotive steel such as cold-rolled and galvanized sheet.

The article also compares the differences in demand between emerging and developed markets: Developed markets are primarily driven by replacement consumption (such as building renovations and vehicle upgrades), with a higher proportion of demand for high-end steel products (such as high-strength steel and corrosion-resistant steel); while emerging markets are primarily driven by incremental consumption, with faster growth in demand for mid- and low-end steel products. In addition, we will analyze potential risks that affect demand in emerging markets, such as policy changes in local regions and exchange rate fluctuations, and provide market expansion suggestions for steel foreign trade companies, such as customizing product portfolios based on the demand characteristics of different emerging markets and establishing long-term cooperative relationships with local distributors to fully seize growth opportunities in emerging markets.