CRC Price Trend and Forecast: Top 10 Leading Trading Countries and Regions - Latest Edition [2026]

The Expert Market Research pricing report on CRC provides insights into the top 10 leading trading countries and regions.

Cold Rolled Coil (CRC) prices have observed different price trends throughout different regions in 2024. In Q1 2025, the global Cold Rolled Coil market showed mixed trends, with North America experiencing price gains due to strong demand and limited supply. Europe and APAC faced declining prices driven by oversupply, weak end-user demand, and ongoing economic and logistical challenges. Overall, market conditions remained regionally varied, reflecting contrasting supply-demand dynamics and macroeconomic pressures.

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In the last quarter of 2024, CRC prices witnessed continuous decline and sustained price weakness across many regions. Shifting import dynamics, oversupply conditions, and subdued demand of steel in automative and construction industries have contributed. Furthermore, changes in prices of iron ore and scrap metal play a key role in CRC production costs, which in turn affect market prices.

CRC Price Forecast

In 2024, North American CRC prices declined due to an oversupply driven by rising imports and economic fluctuations, despite stabilization efforts. In Europe, prices weakened further, with Germany influencing regional trends as oversupply and sluggish demand kept rates low. In the APAC region, Chinese price drops played a key role in regional shifts, influenced by supply chain disruptions, rising raw material costs, and changing global trade dynamics.

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In future, CRC prices in 2025 are expected to remain stable with slight increases, driven by demand in developing economies and construction recovery in select regions, while global uncertainties and competition may limit overall growth. Emerging markets, especially in Asia and Latin America, are likely to fuel demand, driven by large-scale infrastructure developments, increasing urbanization, and expanding industrial activities. Expansions in steel production capacity across China and India could help maintain a balanced supply, reducing the likelihood of sharp price hikes. Pricing trends may also be influenced by trade policies, including restrictions, tariffs, and subsidies, in key regions such as the U.S., the EU, and China. Although growth in essential industries will support demand, factors like global economic instability, inflation, and intense market competition are expected to limit significant price increases.

Global Trade and Supply Chain Implications

Cold Rolled Coil (CRC) prices are heavily influenced by international trade dynamics and supply chain fluctuations. The decreasing price differential between imported and domestic products has generated competitive tensions in the marketplace, particularly in the case of imports. As global trade regimes change and tariffs change, companies must reset their pricing policies to remain competitive. Moreover, supply chain disruptions due to severe weather have resulted in delayed construction and manufacturing projects, contributing to softened demand and price volatility, especially in important markets such as China.

In addition to trade and supply chain issues, geopolitical tensions, mining incidents, and transportation delays also significantly contribute to the determination of CRC prices. These interruptions can slow down production growth, leading to shortages or delayed supply to the market. As a result, the price of CRC increases as manufacturers and suppliers struggle to keep up with demand. With these unforeseen incidents impacting both international and regional supply chains, CRC prices continue to be vulnerable to constant fluctuations, increasing the volatility and uncertainty of the market.

Feedstock Analysis

In 2024, the prices of iron ore witnessed a downward trend due to low pig iron production and a subdued global economic environment. In China, iron ore prices fell by more than 15%, driven mainly by declining demand and a buildup of portside inventories.

Despite rising coal prices, CRC prices declined in North America and Europe due to oversupply and weak demand, with North America facing increased imports and economic fluctuations, while Europe was impacted by sluggish demand, particularly in Germany. In APAC, CRC prices dropped in China despite falling coal prices, as supply chain disruptions and rising costs of other raw materials pressured the market, highlighting regional factors affecting steel prices.

Overall, the decline in iron ore prices offered some cost relief, and variations in coal prices significantly influenced regional CRC price trends throughout the year.

Demand and Supply Outlook for CRC

CRC prices in 2025 are likely to remain stable with a slight upward trend, supported by rising demand in developing economies such as India and Brazil. The global market is expected to see demand support from a recovering residential construction sector in the EU, US, and Korea, while sluggish real estate growth in China and a slow rebound in Europe and Japan may limit overall expansion. The strong demand forecast for CRC suggests that stable coking coal prices and a slight increase in iron ore costs may help maintain balanced input costs for Indian steelmakers. However, global economic uncertainties and heightened market competition may exert pressure on prices. Overall, prices are expected to stay close to current levels, with moderate increases influenced by regional dynamics and raw material costs. Econometric market analysis also suggests that continued volatility in upstream raw materials and policy variables will remain key influencers of CRC pricing through 2025.

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What Our Reports Include:

Historical Price Data and Analysis:

• In-depth review of prices (including feedstock) over the past 5 years.
• Visualisations and trend analysis to identify historical patterns and seasonality.

Supply and Demand Analysis:

• Detailed industry analysis of current supply and demand trends, along with projections for how these dynamics are expected to evolve during the forecast period.
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• Up-to-date information on recent developments and geopolitical events.
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• Evaluation of economic indicators such as GDP growth, inflation rates, and PMI.
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• Forecasted price trend analysis for CRC for the next 2 years using statistical modelling and fundamental & technical price analysis.
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