SMR Group - Steel & Metals Market Intelligence

Stainless Steel: A Story of Growth and Resilience Stainless steel has come a long way since the 1950s. Over the past 70+ years, its production has grown steadily by an average of 5.3% per year, making it a key material in various industries around the world. 🌍 This growth hasn’t come without challenges. From the oil crises in the 1970s, to financial crashes, wars, and even the COVID-19 pandemic, stainless steel has proven its resilience time and time again. 📈 Innovations like Argon Oxygen Decarburization (AOD) and better production processes have helped the industry reduce production costs. The material has become more affordable during the past 50 years, which has helped boost consumption. While prices have fluctuated due to global events like oversupply, geopolitical tensions, and raw material cycles, the long-term success of stainless steel speaks for itself. It remains essential in a wide range of applications, such as consumer goods, the food & beverage industry, building & construction, and demanding applications like oil & gas or CPI. 🌱 As we look to the future, stainless steel is set to play a major role in building a more sustainable and resilient world. ✅ #StainlessSteel #Growth #Innovation #Resilience #Sustainability

In 2025, the Year of the Snake, the International Chromium Development Association is inviting its members to the world’s largest ferrochrome production region: Inner Mongolia. The ICDA’s 2025 Members Meeting will take place in Ulanqab from May 13-15. As SMR, we are delighted to support ICDA’s conferences and look forward to participating and engaging with delegates from the stainless steel and chromium sectors this May!   #ICDA #Chromium #Nickel #StainlessSteel #StainlessSteelClub #SMR #ClosingTheLoop

🐍 Happy Chinese New Year! As we welcome the Year of the Snake, we celebrate wisdom, adaptability, and resilience—qualities that help us navigate challenges and embrace new opportunities. A big thank you to our clients, partners, and colleagues for your continued trust and support. We look forward to another year of growth and success together! 🤝 Wishing you prosperity, happiness, and good health in 2025! 恭喜发财 🧧✨ #HappyChineseNewYear #YearOfTheSnake #NewBeginnings #SuccessIn2025

Built to Last: The Power of Stainless Steel in Industrial Storage In an era where efficiency and sustainability are paramount, stainless steel stands out as the superior choice for storage tank construction. ⚙️ Its blend of strength, durability, and environmental responsibility makes it indispensable for industries demanding long-term performance and cost-efficiency.♻️ Stainless steel offers durability and strength, with natural corrosion resistance that ensures longevity and reduces maintenance costs. Its high tensile strength allows for lighter, more efficient designs, while enhanced weldability speeds up production and increases reliability. Fully recyclable and low-maintenance, stainless steel supports sustainable practices and minimizes environmental impact.🌍 Designed to endure harsh environments and rigorous industrial demands, they provide reliability for sectors such as biofuels, chemicals, and water treatment. 🌊 It also performs reliably in extreme temperatures, making it ideal for sterile or refrigerated storage. The smooth, non-porous surface prevents bacterial growth, ensuring safe storage for food and beverages. Investing in stainless steel means choosing strength, resilience, and sustainability—delivering smarter, future-proof storage solutions that drive long-term success. #Stainlesssteel #CorrosionResistance #Stainlessindustry #Storagetanks

Frank Gehry’s Luma Arles Tower: Where Art Meets Stainless Steel The Luma Arles Tower in France, designed by Frank Gehry, stands as a testament to the transformative power of stainless steel in modern architecture. 🇫🇷 Clad in 11,000 reflective stainless steel panels and wrapped in AISI 316 stainless steel, the tower captures and reflects the changing daylight, giving the structure a dynamic appearance. This innovative use of stainless steel not only enhances the building's aesthetic appeal but also ensures durability and resilience against the elements. 🌧️ The material's corrosion resistance and strength make it an ideal choice for such a landmark project, seamlessly blending form and function. Gehry's design draws inspiration from the local landscape and Vincent van Gogh's "Starry Night," with the tower's twisting, shimmering façade echoing the swirling patterns of the painting. 🎨 The Luma Arles Tower exemplifies how stainless steel can be utilized to create structures that are not only visually striking but also built to stand the test of time. Its completion marks a significant achievement in contemporary architecture, highlighting the material's versatility and enduring appeal. 🌍 #Lumaarlestower #Frankgehrydesign #Stainlesssteelarchitecture #Modernarchitecture

Stronger, Smarter, Greener: How Stainless Steel Transforms Solar Technology In the fast-paced world of renewable energy, innovation is key to driving progress. Stainless steel has emerged as a critical material in advancing solar technology due to its exceptional durability and resilience. ☀️ Its unique properties make it an ideal choice for critical components in solar installations, including: • Mounting structures and support frames that securely hold solar panels in place. • Fasteners, bolts, and connectors that ensure structural stability. • Tracking systems that adjust panel angles to maximize sunlight exposure. • Protective casings for sensitive electrical components, shielding them from harsh environments. Solar installations must withstand a wide range of weather conditions—from intense heat to freezing cold, high winds, and heavy snow. Stainless steel's corrosion resistance and mechanical strength ensure the longevity and reliability of solar energy systems. 💡 Incorporating stainless steel into solar module designs not only improves structural integrity but also enables innovative solutions. These advancements increase energy capture and overall efficiency. 🌞 As the demand for renewable energy grows, the need for reliable and robust materials becomes even more critical. Stainless steel plays a pivotal role in creating resilient and efficient solar energy infrastructures worldwide. 🌏 #RenewableenergyInnovation #Stainlesssteel #Solarenergysolutions #Sustainablepower #Stainlesssteelindustry

Tesla’s Cybertruck: Where Power Meets Durability Tesla is redefining automotive innovation with the Cybertruck, crafted from a special grade of stainless steel that combines the strength and hardening rate of 301 with the corrosion resistance of 316L. This powerful blend offers strong durability and resilience for the future of electric vehicles. 🌍 Material Impact: • 125,000–250,000 units projected in 2025 • 140,000–170,000 tonnes of stainless steel (STS) required • +10% growth in the U.S. cold-rolled coil (CRC) market Material Composition: • Chrome: 16–18% • Nickel: 5–8% • Molybdenum: 1–2% The Cybertruck’s exoskeleton is not only bold in appearance but also built to withstand the toughest conditions, marking a shift in automotive manufacturing. 🔧 🌱 Sustainable. Strong. Smart. #Teslacybertruck #Electricvehicles #Stainlesssteel #Futureofmobility

We’re proud to share that SMR has reached 5,000 followers here on LinkedIn. This milestone reflects the trust and engagement of a global network of professionals in the steel and metals industry. A massive THANK YOU to our growing community for supporting us and joining us on this journey. At SMR, our mission is to provide actionable insights and valuable research to support your decision-making in this ever-evolving market. This milestone motivates us to continue raising the bar in delivering the quality and depth of analysis you expect. Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to more shared knowledge and growth in the years ahead! #Stainlesssteelindustry #Stainless #Community #Thankyou

Save the Date: Two Must-Attend Events for the Stainless & Special Steel Industry! The International Stainless & Special Steel Conference 📍 Istanbul, Türkiye 🗓 September 16-18, 2025 Join over 400 participants from across the stainless steel supply chain to discuss global industry trends and the challenges shaping 2026 and beyond. The Stainless & Special Alloys Conference 📍 Nashville, TN, USA 🗓 November 6-7, 2025 With more than 300 attendees expected, this event will focus on North American and global market trends and the key drivers for the future of the industry. Why attend? • Gain insights from leading industry experts. • Network with professionals across the supply chain. • Prepare your business for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Mark your calendars and sign up now! Please find the registration links in the comments section below 👇 #StainlessSteel #SpecialAlloys #IndustryEvents #Networking #FutureOfSteel

We are Back and Ready for 2025! The holiday season has come to an end, and we are excited to be back in action, ready to kick off the year ahead! After recharging over the break, our team is energized and looking forward to helping you achieve your goals in 2025. Whether it’s tackling new challenges or building on last year’s successes, we are here to support you every step of the way. Let’s make this year a great one – together! 💪 #BackToBusiness #Welcome2025 #NewYearNewGoals #HereToSupportYou