The overall sentiment? It’s clear the ferroalloy sector and raw materials market will continue to face challenging times. Conversations often turned to the hurdles ahead, particularly the struggles of the German steel market and automotive sector. A key factor at play is China’s aggressive steel dumping practices, which continue to undercut European steel mills.
The conference also saw plenty of speculation about the effects of Trump-era trade policies and their ongoing ripple effects. Amidst this uncertainty, a pressing question loomed large: When will the market turn?
While previous forecasts pointed to early 2025, many now anticipate recovery toward the end of 2025. However, there is a silver lining—interest rates are already starting to trend downward, offering a glimmer of hope.
Looking ahead, the next chapter for industry insights will take place in Bangkok this April, with a focus on the Asian markets. As always, we’ll be there to exchange ideas and navigate the path forward.