Steel Section Price Trend Q3 2025
In Q3 2025, the global Steel Section market showed a mixed performance, with prices declining by approximately 1.57% from the previous quarter. The drop has primarily been attributed to slower activity in the construction and manufacturing sectors, especially in regions dealing with delayed projects and tighter budgets. In markets such as India and the Gulf countries, demand held relatively stable amid ongoing infrastructure works, but this has not been enough to offset weaker conditions in Europe and parts of East Asia.
Export volumes remained moderate, and procurement activity has largely been need-based, reflecting limited confidence among buyers. Raw material inputs like billet and scrap saw marginal fluctuations but did not significantly influence pricing trends. Overall, the market closed the quarter with a slight downward bias, although participants maintained a cautiously steady outlook moving into the next quarter.
China
Steel Section Export prices FOB Shanghai, China, Grade- Q235.
According to PriceWatch, in Q3 2025, the steel section price trend in China declined by 0.33% compared to the previous quarter, primarily due to softened demand from the construction, infrastructure, and light engineering sectors. Sluggish procurement activity by fabricators and moderated export orders exerted downward pressure on prices. While raw material and energy costs remained relatively stable, oversupply in certain profiles and intensified competition among local manufacturers added to the bearish sentiment.
Overall, the market showed signs of imbalance, prompting producers to adjust production and manage inventory levels. Steel Section prices in China declined by 1.26% in September 2025, largely driven by moderate domestic demand and steady output levels. Adequate supply and stable operations further contributed to the slight price dip. Despite short-term weakness, expectations for Q4 remain cautiously optimistic, with hopes for a gradual recovery in demand from infrastructure and prefabricated construction applications.
USA
Steel Section Domestically traded prices Ex-Illinois, USA, ASTM A500 Grade B (hollow).
According to PriceWatch, in Q3 2025, the steel section price trend in the United States declined by approximately 2.54% compared to the previous quarter, amid muted demand from the industrial construction and equipment manufacturing sectors. Project delays, tighter financing conditions, and conservative procurement strategies among downstream buyers weighed on market sentiment.
Input costs such as scrap and electricity remained mostly stable, but competitive pricing and sufficient stock availability among regional suppliers applied further pressure on prices. In response, some producers scaled back output to maintain market balance.
In September 2025, Steel Section prices in the U.S. saw a sharp increase of 5.34%, supported by consistent yet moderate demand. Overall, the U.S. Steel Section market in Q3 reflected a soft but relatively steady trend, with expectations of improved activity in Q4, driven by government infrastructure funding and seasonal demand.
UK
Steel Section Domestically traded prices FD Sheffield, UK, Medium.
In Q3 2025, the steel section price trend in the United Kingdom declined by around 0.33% compared to the previous quarter, reflecting subdued activity in the structural fabrication and commercial building segments. Ongoing economic uncertainty, cautious capital expenditure by developers, and slow-moving approval processes for major construction projects contributed to weaker offtake from end-users.
Although raw material and energy prices remained largely steady, intensified domestic competition and sufficient inventory levels across the supply chain added downward pressure on pricing. Steel Section prices in the UK registered a further dip of 1.26% in September 2025, underscoring the impact of muted procurement and stable yet underwhelming demand levels.
Market participants reported steady production activity, but sales remained sluggish as buyers adopted a wait-and-see approach. Overall, the Steel Section market in the UK remained mildly bearish throughout Q3, though expectations for a gradual recovery in Q4 persist, supported by seasonal demand improvements and a potential uptick in public sector infrastructure investments.
