The "discrepancy" between optimistic forecasts of Central European GDP growth and real economic activity means that demand for steel in the region remains modest, according to the latest podcast of MEPs, "The Market in minutes."

Although the OECD predicts that Poland will lead the EU's GDP in 2026. economic growth in the Czech Republic was 3.4%, and the forecast for 2% is also significantly higher than the average for the eurozone, which causes little optimism among steel market participants.

"By all accounts, there is actually a slight discrepancy in the main economic news that they actually see in their daily activities," concluded Chris Jackson, a steel market analyst from the European Parliament, in the latest issue of "Market in Minutes."

However, Jackson told Tom Sharp, editor-in-chief of the European Parliament, that a reduction in the supply of many products leads to higher prices. According to him, energy price volatility caused by the conflict in the Middle East could further accelerate steel companies' efforts to raise selling prices in the coming days and weeks.

Watch this month's issue on YouTube or[url=https://open.spotify.com/episode/1ExfBrUOvSpHLLxC5K43Ud?si=X8WLqVxKSlWzcSmdqsH0jA]on Spotify to learn more about developments in the Central European steel market, including:

• The impact of CBAM on import volumes and, as a result, upward pressure on prices
• The cold-rolled rise in coil prices is due to tighter supply due to the EU anti-dumping investigation
• A sharp increase in prices for rolled products due to rising costs of processing enterprises
• How the mixed performance of domestic steel mills creates uncertainty (0:9 )Infrastructure projects offer modest hopes for increased demand

The podcast series "The Market in Minutes" is based on research collected by steel market participants to share information about countries and regions that have been independently researched by MEPs. In addition to a general overview of steel demand, supply and price trends, it provides a brief overview of steel price forecasts prepared by MEPs.

Regular information on the specifics of the Central European steel market is contained in the International Steel Survey prepared by the MEPs. The monthly report contains steel prices, price indices, market commentary, and 12-month price forecasts from key steel markets in Europe, Asia, and North America.[url= / / /gb/en/pages/contact-meps]Contact the MEPs directly to find out how to subscribe.