Outokumpu increased stainless steel sales to 1.39 million tons in January-September

Finnish company Outokumpu, a global leader in stainless steel production, shipped 1.39 million tons of steel products in January-September 2025, up 1% from the same period in 2024, according to the company’s report.

Sales in North and South America were the main driver of growth, increasing by 4% y/y to 478,000 tons, while in Europe, volumes decreased by 1% y/y – to 925,000 tons. At the same time, ferrochrome sales increased by 2% y/y to 301 thousand tons.

The group’s revenue for the nine months amounted to €4.31 billion, down 5% y/y, due to lower stainless steel prices, especially in the European segment. In Q3, sales amounted to 432 thousand tons, down 6% y/y.

In January-September, adjusted EBITDA decreased to €157 million (-13% y/y), and operating profit (EBIT) was negative at -€51 million. The net loss amounted to €72 million. The company notes that profitability was supported by lower raw material costs and cost-cutting programs, which brought €42 million in savings.

EBITDA for the third quarter was €34 million, reflecting weak demand in the European market and significant imports of cheap Asian steel. In Europe, deliveries fell by 12% q-o-q – to 432,000 tonnes, and EBITDA was negative at €12 million. In America, however, Outokumpu posted positive EBITDA of €30 million, demonstrating growth in profitability despite lower sales.

Ferrochrome sales remained stable at 117,000 tons in Q3 and 301,000 tons in the first nine months, up 2% year-on-year.

The company expects stainless steel supply to decline by another 5-15% in Q4 2025 due to seasonal demand weakness in America and a weak EU market.

At the end of September, Outokumpu presented the results of a study showing profound changes in the global steel market due to tariffs and geopolitical tensions. The results showed that a third of companies have stopped or postponed orders for stainless steel, more than half are reviewing their procurement strategies, and 30% have already changed suppliers.