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American Market Drives Stainless Steel Growth
Outokumpu shipped 1.39 million tons of stainless steel in January-September 2025, up 1% year-on-year.
Meanwhile, American sales increased by 4% to 478,000 tons, offsetting Europe’s 1% decline to 925,000 tons.
However, lower European stainless steel prices pressured overall revenue to €4.31 billion, down 5% year-on-year.
Profitability Challenges Amid Raw Material Costs and Imports
Adjusted EBITDA dropped 13% to €157 million, with operating profit at -€51 million and net loss of €72 million.
As a result, cost-cutting programs saved €42 million, partially offsetting weak European demand and cheap Asian imports.
Ferrochrome sales increased 2% year-on-year to 301,000 tons, stabilizing part of the group’s product portfolio.
Outlook and Strategic Implications for the Stainless Steel Market
Outokumpu expects stainless steel supply to decline 5–15% in Q4 2025 due to seasonal and regional weaknesses.
Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions and tariffs have caused a third of companies to postpone orders and 30% to change suppliers.
Therefore, stainless steel producers and traders must monitor market dynamics and adjust procurement strategies proactively.
ScrapInsight Commentary
Outokumpu’s sales growth highlights North American demand resilience, while European markets remain weak.
Profitability is pressured by imports and falling steel prices, suggesting cautious outlooks for Q4 2025.
Recyclers and steelmakers should optimize cost strategies and monitor ferrochrome supply as a stabilizing factor.
