Benelux: Flat-Rolled Steel Products Market 2025

Flat-Rolled Steel Products Market Size in Benelux

In 2021, after two years of decline, there was significant growth in the Benelux flat-rolled steel products market, when its value increased by 8.2% to $X. Overall, consumption saw a perceptible curtailment. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Flat-Rolled Steel Products Production in Benelux

In value terms, flat-rolled steel products production expanded rapidly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, production, however, recorded a mild expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when the production volume increased by 16%. As a result, production attained the peak level of $X. From 2015 to 2021, production growth remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Flat-Rolled Steel Products Exports

Exports in Benelux

In 2021, the amount of flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel exported in Benelux reduced to X tons, dropping by -5.8% compared with 2020. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.6% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 with an increase of 20% against the previous year. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, flat-rolled steel products exports rose markedly to $X in 2021. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +2.1% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when exports increased by 23% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

The Netherlands represented the key exporter of flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel in Benelux, with the volume of exports resulting at X tons, which was approx. 81% of total exports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Belgium (X tons), achieving a 19% share of total exports.

The Netherlands was also the fastest-growing in terms of the flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel exports, with a CAGR of +4.0% from 2012 to 2021. Belgium (-4.9%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. The Netherlands (+16 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while Belgium saw its share reduced by -15.5% from 2012 to 2021, respectively.

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X) remains the largest flat-rolled steel products supplier in Benelux, comprising 82% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Belgium ($X), with an 18% share of total exports.

In the Netherlands, flat-rolled steel products exports expanded at an average annual rate of +4.7% over the period from 2012-2021.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Benelux stood at $X per ton in 2021, growing by 18% against the previous year. Overall, the export price saw a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, the export price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the Netherlands ($X per ton), while Belgium stood at $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the Netherlands (+0.6%).

Flat-Rolled Steel Products Imports

Imports in Benelux

In 2021, the amount of flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel imported in Benelux dropped to X tons, which is down by -6.2% compared with 2020. Overall, imports saw a pronounced setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 16% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, flat-rolled steel products imports surged to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports continue to indicate a mild setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 35% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

The Netherlands (X tons) and Belgium (X tons) dominates imports structure, together comprising 98% of total imports. Luxembourg (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main importing countries, was attained by Luxembourg (with a CAGR of +6.2%), while imports for the other leaders experienced a decline in the imports figures.

In value terms, the largest flat-rolled steel products importing markets in Benelux were the Netherlands ($X), Belgium ($X) and Luxembourg ($X).

Luxembourg, with a CAGR of +9.3%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, in terms of the main importing countries over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced a decline in the imports figures.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in Benelux amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 25% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, import price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Luxembourg ($X per ton), while Belgium ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Luxembourg (+2.9%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform