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API 5L PSL1 vs PSL2
A practical comparison of API 5L Product Specification Levels 1 and 2, including chemistry, mechanical properties, toughness, NDT, traceability and a correction to a common hydrotest misconception.
KnowledgeAPI 5L X52 vs EN ISO 3183 L360
Why X52 and L360 are corresponding line-pipe strength designations, but should not be treated as a complete material equivalence without checking PSL, edition, delivery condition and supplementary requirements.
KnowledgeCarbon Equivalent (CEV): Formula, Interpretation and Limitations
What CEV is, how the common IIW formula is calculated, what it says about weldability and why it should not be used as a universal pass/fail number.
KnowledgeCEV vs Pcm: Which Carbon-Equivalent Formula Applies?
Why CEV and Pcm are different weldability indices, how their formulas differ and why the governing standard — not personal preference — decides which one to use.
KnowledgeHow to Compare Steel Grades Across Standards Without Claiming False Equivalence
A reusable method for comparing EN, API, ASTM, ISO, GB, JIS and class-society steel grades without reducing the analysis to yield strength alone.
KnowledgeEN 10204 3.1 vs 3.2 Inspection Certificates
A buyer-focused explanation of EN 10204 type 3.1 and 3.2 certificates: who validates them, what specific inspection means and what 3.2 does not automatically guarantee.
KnowledgeEN 10210 vs EN 10219: What Actually Differs?
A practical comparison of hot-finished EN 10210 and cold-formed EN 10219 structural hollow sections, including grades, dimensions, section properties and purchasing implications.
KnowledgeJR, J0, J2 and K2: Impact-Toughness Suffixes Explained
How to decode JR, J0, J2 and K2 in European structural steel grades and keep toughness, strength and delivery condition separate.
KnowledgeN, NL, M and ML: Normalised and Thermomechanically Rolled Grades
A practical guide to EN 10025 fine-grain structural steel grades S355N, S355NL, S355M and S355ML, and why they are not the same as S355J2+N.
KnowledgeNACE MR0175 / ISO 15156 Applicability for Metallic Materials
What NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156 is, how Parts 1–3 are organized, and why sour-service acceptability depends on material condition and environment rather than grade name alone.
GradesSupra 316L/4404
Outokumpu identifies this molybdenum-alloyed stainless grade as EN 1.4404. A 316L enquiry still needs the product specification; other EN variants also use the 316L label. 316L · 1.4404
GradesSupra 316L/4435
Outokumpu lists this as a 316L alternative with higher molybdenum and nickel content than 316L/4404. Do not select it solely from a generic 316L request. 316L · 1.4435
GradesForta DX 2205
Outokumpu identifies Forta DX 2205 as EN 1.4462, a duplex stainless product combining corrosion resistance and high mechanical strength. Product-specific requirements still need confirmation. 1.4462 · 2205
GradesINCONEL® alloy 625
Special Metals identifies INCONEL alloy 625 as UNS N06625 and Werkstoff Number 2.4856. Its technical bulletin covers multiple product forms; values must be read with their test and delivery conditions. Alloy 625 · UNS N06625 · N06625 · 2.4856
ArticlesItalian court confirms shutdown order at Taranto steelworks
The Milan Court of Appeal upheld an order to shut down and remediate the hot-end area at Acciaierie d’Italia’s Taranto works over inadequate environmental safeguards. Italy’s only integrated steelworks is important to domestic flat-steel supply. The ruling confirms a shutdown order; it does not establish that operations have already stopped. Acciaierie d’Italia Flat steel Europe / Italy Italy Taranto Acciaierie d’Italia flat steel mill closure supply
ArticlesArcelorMittal plans major restructuring of Duisburg operations
ArcelorMittal plans to close Duisburg’s steel shop and billet rolling mill after its hot-metal contract ends in September 2027, subject to supervisory-board approval. The wire-rod mill would continue with billets from other group sites and external suppliers; Hamburg is a potential source of lower-carbon semis. ArcelorMittal Billets / wire rod Europe / Germany Germany Duisburg ArcelorMittal billets wire rod restructuring
ArticlesSalzgitter expands heavy-plate capability at Mülheim
Salzgitter Mannesmann Grobblech commissioned a hot straightening machine at Mülheim an der Ruhr. The investment expands processing of particularly thick, high-strength plate for energy infrastructure, including offshore-wind foundations and support structures. Salzgitter Mannesmann Grobblech Heavy Plate Europe / Germany Germany Salzgitter heavy plate Mülheim offshore wind high-strength steel
ArticlesSalzgitter signs major renewable-power deal for low-carbon steel
Salzgitter Flachstahl and Zelestra agreed a long-term power supply contract covering 147 MW of solar capacity and 79 MW / 237 MWh of battery storage across two projects. The renewable electricity will support lower-carbon steel production under SALCOS. Salzgitter Flachstahl / Zelestra Low-carbon steel Europe / Germany Germany Salzgitter green steel energy decarbonisation SALCOS
ArticlesChina Baowu considers stake in BHP iron-ore mine
China Baowu is considering a minority stake in BHP’s Jimblebar iron-ore mine in Western Australia, Reuters reported, citing sources. No transaction has been finalised. The possible investment would deepen the steelmaker’s upstream raw-material interests. China Baowu / BHP Iron ore China / Australia China Baowu BHP iron ore Australia raw materials M&A
ArticlesEU-India trade deal moves toward signature
The European Commission submitted proposals to the Council for signature and conclusion of the EU–India FTA. The agreement is not yet in force. Traders must distinguish potential future FTA treatment from import rules currently applicable. Steel trade Europe / India India European Union FTA steel trade tariffs WSSL
Market dataHeavy plate 8–40 mm · Southern Europe
Base-grade / S235 reference 740–760 EUR tonne 3 September 2026 Fastmarkets assessed Southern European domestic plate at EUR 740–760/t EXW on 3 September. Higher slab costs and limited October availability supported the increase.
Market dataHeavy plate 8–40 mm · Northern Europe
Base-grade plate 850–875 EUR tonne 3 September 2026 Fastmarkets assessed Northern European domestic plate at EUR 850–875/t EXW on 3 September amid tight spot availability and project-related mill demand.
Market dataHeavy plate · Italy
S355 ≈760 EUR tonne 12 September 2026 Kallanish reported S275 at about EUR 740/t EXW and an S355 premium of approximately EUR 20/t. EUR 760/t is the resulting indicative S355 level, not a separately quoted assessment.
Market dataSteel slab · Italy
Import slab 560–580 USD tonne 3 September 2026 Fastmarkets assessed slab imports into Italy at USD 560–580/t CIF on 3 September. Higher import costs added pressure to re-rolled plate pricing.
Market dataHot-rolled coil · Northwest Europe
HRC 730–760 EUR tonne 28 August 2026 Achievable Northwest European HRC levels were reported at EUR 730–760/t EXW for the week ending 28 August. Tighter imports supported domestic demand.
Market dataStainless flat products alloy surcharge · Europe
1.4404 / 316L 4.04 EUR kg 1 September 2026 September 2026 alloy surcharge for 1.4404 / 316L in the source’s Sheets (Bleche) category. This is an alloy surcharge only, not a full material price.
Market dataDuplex flat products alloy surcharge · Europe
1.4462 / Duplex 2205 3.94 EUR kg 1 September 2026 September 2026 alloy surcharge for 1.4462 / Duplex 2205 in the source’s Sheets (Bleche) category. This is an alloy surcharge only, not a full material price.
RegulationsEU Steel Regulation replaces previous safeguard regime
Regulation (EU) 2026/1384 opens annual quotas totalling 18,345,922 tonnes across 26 steel product categories. Covered imports exceeding or not benefiting from a quota face a 50% ad-valorem duty. Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are excluded. The main regime applies from 1 July 2026; melt-and-pour evidence obligations apply from 1 October. Steel Import Quotas European Union
RegulationsEU publishes country distribution of new steel quotas
Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1457 allocates steel quotas by country, including MFN and FTA portions. Administration is first come, first served, subject to country-specific and residual-access rules. This distribution applies from 1 July to 31 December 2026. Steel Import Quotas European Union
RegulationsEU introduces bilateral steel safeguards for certain FTA partners
Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1930 applies bilateral safeguards to covered steel from specified FTA partners. A 50% ad-valorem duty applies once the relevant quota is exhausted. Published on 5 August, it entered into force on 6 August 2026. Trade Defence European Union
RegulationsEU defines evidence required for steel “melt and pour” origin
Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1963 sets evidence requirements for the country of melt and pour, including mill test certificates and specified alternatives. Published on 31 August, it entered into force on 1 September and applies from 1 October 2026. The standalone alternatives in Article 1(3) apply until 30 September 2027. Customs & Origin European Union
RegulationsEU reviewing possible expansion of Steel Regulation product scope
The Commission opened a consultation on possible additions covering cast-iron tubes and hollow profiles, non-alloy and other alloy wire, stainless wire and forged bars. Responses are due by 30 September 2026; the assessment is due by year-end. This consultation does not itself expand the product scope. Regulatory Consultation European Union
RegulationsCBAM certificate price for Q2 2026 set at EUR 75.28
The Commission published a Q2 2026 CBAM certificate price of EUR 75.28 on 6 July, versus EUR 75.36 for Q1. The Q2 price applies to embedded emissions in goods imported during April–June 2026. Prices are quarterly during 2026; certificate purchases via the central platform begin in February 2027. CBAM European Union