🌍 A paradigm shift in the global steel industry: the transition from “mass production” to technology-driven and green steel
Tokyo — the global steel industry is passing through a historic turning point. Experts and executives at major global companies warn that the era of competitive advantage based solely on “expanding production capacity” has come to an end, and that the future of the steel industry depends on quality, innovation, and environmental commitments.
The end of the era of quantity-driven growth
Based on recent analyses, pressures stemming from several key factors include:
The energy crisis and a sharp rise in operating costs.
Stringent decarbonization requirements and emissions reduction mandates.
Saturation of traditional markets and rising demand for high value-added products.
have prompted companies to shift their strategies from “mass production” toward “advanced product development” and “reducing their carbon footprint.”
Nippon Steel in the spotlight
In this context, Nippon Steel, one of the largest players in the industry, has recently unveiled its ambitious vision for the future. While the company aims to maintain an annual production capacity of 100 million tonnes through the mid-2030s, its primary focus is on technological transformation:
• Advanced steels: Significant investment in the production of high-strength, lightweight steels required by high-tech industries such as electric vehicles and renewable energy.
• Green steel: Directing investment toward new low-carbon steelmaking technologies, including the use of hydrogen or electricity in the production process (such as electric arc furnace technology).
This shift in approach shows that major companies are no longer relying solely on expanding output to survive, but instead are focusing on optimizing their product portfolios and achieving technological leadership.
Implications for investment policies
This transition has significant implications for investment policies worldwide:
• A declining economic rationale for building new capacity based on traditional, high-emission technologies.
• Intensifying competition in R&D (research and development) for hydrogen-based steelmaking and other decarbonization methods.
• Increased pressure on steelmakers in less developed regions that lack the financial or technological capacity to undergo this major transformation.
Conclusion: The steel industry’s transition from quantity to quality and technology is an inevitable strategic shift that will lead to a global value chain realignment and widen the competitive gap between leading and traditional companies.
Analyst: Economics & Innovation Section, Steel World Revies
