Major Japanese steelmaker JFE Steel is facing the prospect of recording zero profit for the year ending March 2020 for the first time in its history due to global economic tensions and rising raw materials prices, it warned on Friday March 27.

Anglo American is expecting a production impact of 2-3 million tonnes at its Kumba iron ore operations in 2020, following a decision to operate with around half of its workforce during a 21-day lockdown in South Africa that started this week.

Domestic prices for steel rebar were unchanged in Northern Europe but slightly up in Southern Europe because of an increase in trading in Italy.

Brazilian miner Vale is seeking alternatives to waste disposal at its Brucutu iron ore mine to produce at 80% capacity this year.

Turkish steel producers remained quiet in the deep-sea scrap import markets while suppliers were unwilling to sell at current price levels, sources said on Wednesday April 1.

Prices in the CIS export billet market continued to slide on Wednesday April 1, in line with lower bids received amid the reduced trading activity.

India’s JSW Steel expects a significant reduction in its capacity utilization rates during the country’s 21-day lockdown following its move to suspend or scale down operations across various locations, it said on Thursday March 26.

Indian domestic steel demand is likely to see a sharp dive in the first quarter of the coming fiscal due to stalled factories and production cutbacks across major user industries like auto and construction.