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| Poland steel production |
Poland Steel Output Jumps on Plant Restart and Demand Rebound
Poland’s steel production surged 25.7% year-on-year in June 2025, reaching 749,000 tons. This jump follows a 16.8% monthly increase, driven largely by the full-capacity restart of Huta CzÄ™stochowa in February. The rebound positions Poland 20th in the latest World Steel Association rankings. This recovery contrasts sharply with the broader EU trend, where steel output dropped 8.2% year-on-year in June.
Structural Pressures Mount Despite Output Growth
However, structural challenges persist. ArcelorMittal Poland halted blast furnace No. 3 at its DÄ…browa Górnicza site, citing uncompetitive margins from surging energy costs and cheap imports. Labor unions warn of escalating protests this fall, criticizing insufficient governmental support and ineffective policy frameworks. The Ministry’s “Action Plan” has yet to deliver measurable results.
Scrap Trade Reform and Energy Pricing Under Debate
Meanwhile, unions demand a unified EU electricity rate of €60/MWh for energy-intensive sectors. They also call for reform in CO₂ compensation schemes and scrap metal trade regulations. These measures aim to protect domestic producers from green-compliance-exempt steel imports. Despite these headwinds, Poland produced 3.87 million tons of steel in 1H2025, up 7.4% y/y—continuing the upward trajectory from 2024’s 10.1% growth.
ScrapInsight Commentary
Poland’s steel rebound signals localized resilience in a structurally strained EU market. Short-term output gains may lift scrap demand, but persistent energy and carbon costs could limit profitability. Policy clarity on scrap trade and cross-border import controls will define medium-term sustainability for Polish and broader EU steel producers.
