Italian AST to introduce long downtime in December-January

Italian stainless steel producer Acciai Speciali Terni (AST), part of the Arvedi Group, plans to introduce a long production shutdown for the Christmas holidays in December-January. This was reported by Kallanish.

The company’s hot rolling area will not operate from December 19 this year until January 7, 2024.

“The shutdown is a consequence of the slowdown in the steel market in general and the high cost of electricity that AST is forced to pay compared to its competitors. The steel plant has already halted production for three days from November 28 to December 1 due to reduced orders that have affected the European market after demand improved in September and October,» company representative commented.

Economic uncertainty and a slowdown in orders are having a negative impact on the profitability and production volumes of stainless steel in Italy. Demand continues to be weak, but production costs are rising at the same time, according to steel association Assofermet. The sector is experiencing the worst margin contraction in 2023.

At the end of November 2023, Acciai Speciali Terni suspended production for three days – from November 28 to December 1. The decision was made amid a decline in orders in the EU market after demand improved in September-October.

As GMK Center reported earlier, in October 2023, Italy reduced steel production by 1.4% compared to the previous month – to 1.93 million tons. In January-October 2023, Italy reduced steel production by 3.4% compared to the same period in 2022 – to 17.87 million tons.

AST is an integrated steel plant in the stainless steel sector. Arvedi Group completed the acquisition of Acciai Speciali Terni from German ThyssenKrupp at the end of January 2022. ThyssenKrupp has retained a 15% stake in AST as a sign of continuity and trust. AST’s sales in the 2019/2020 fiscal year amounted to approximately €1.7 billion. In the 2021/2022 financial year, a net profit of €187.3 million was recorded.

  • Industry

Ukraine reduced rolled steel production by 11.8% y/y in May

In May 2025, Ukrainian steel enterprises reduced production of commercial rolled steel by 4% compared…

Friday June 6, 2025
  • Global Market

World scrap prices continue to stagnate in early June

At the beginning of June 2025, the global scrap market demonstrates overwhelming price stability after…

Friday June 6, 2025
  • Companies

Rio Tinto and Baowu officially open Western Rang mine

The Australian-British mining group Rio Tinto has announced the official opening of its new Western…

Friday June 6, 2025

US CBAM could generate up to $200 billion in revenue within five years – study

The U.S. mechanism for cross-border carbon adjustment could raise up to $200 billion over five…

Friday June 6, 2025
  • Global Market

EU steel imports down 9% y/y in Q1 – EUROFER

In the first quarter of 2025, steel imports to the European Union declined slightly, but…

Friday June 6, 2025
  • Companies

Cleveland-Cliffs cancels hydrogen-based steel project in Ohio

American steelmaker Cleveland-Cliffs has officially canceled its hydrogen-based steel project in Middletown, Ohio. This is…

Friday June 6, 2025