In Q1, CRC prices in global markets saw fluctuations during Q1 2024, with prices increasing slightly in some regions due to strong demand and continued recovery in key industries like automotive and construction. However, some regions also experienced price corrections due to overproduction or slower demand. In Europe, CRC prices showed a 10% increase, mainly due to higher energy prices, the cost of raw materials, and a reduction in steel production capacity. Indian and Chinese market edged down on a quarterly basis in Q1 2024.
In Q2 2024, Global CRC prices showed drop in Q2 2024 after the volatility in Q1. However, regional markets experienced varied trends based on local demand and production conditions. The US and UK market saw a significant decline of 10% in prices, primarily due to weak demand and an oversupply of steel. Contributing factors include high interest rates, reduced production activity, and a drop in crude steel manufacturing. As a result, major steelmakers significantly adjusted their prices, further deepening the market’s bearish outlook. Prices in India edged down by 1% and from China by 9% respectively.
In Q3 2024, Prices in the third quarter showed decline in major economies. Domestic CRC prices fell in India by 4% in Q32024, in China by 9%, USA by 11% and the United Kingdom by 2% as against fourth quarter 2023. Sluggish demand from key sectors like automotive and construction, coupled with an oversupply of steel, put downward pressure on prices. High interest rates reduced investment and financing, leading to slower economic activity. Additionally, a decline in crude steel production, fluctuating raw material costs, and price cuts by major steelmakers to clear excess inventory further reinforced the bearish sentiment. In both developed and emerging economies, there was a decline in the manufacturing of crude steel in Q3 2024. This reduction was partly due to higher operational costs, particularly from energy prices and raw material costs. The slowdown in steel production, in turn, led to a decreased need for CRC. These factors combined to drive a notable reduction in CRC prices during the quarter.
In Q4 2024, CRC prices in last quarter 2024 fell which 7% price rise in China. The market remained under pressure from oversupply, and fluctuating raw material costs, which capped any significant price rebounds. In India, domestic demand supported some price stability, especially from infrastructure projects, but competition from imports and global trade uncertainties kept prices relatively flat. Despite some recovery, the overall market remained cautious due to ongoing economic concerns and supply-demand imbalances.