Feb 8, 2026
IndexBox has just published a new report: United Kingdom – Hot-Rolled Round Bars Of Stainless Steel – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends And Insights.
The UK market for hot-rolled round stainless steel bars is forecast to grow steadily, with volume reaching 129K tons and value $1.2B by 2035. In 2024, domestic consumption was 106K tons, while production was higher at 108K tons, indicating the UK is a net exporter. Imports fell sharply to 4.4K tons, with Sweden, Germany, and Spain being the leading value suppliers. Exports were 6.9K tons, primarily to Italy, France, and Germany. Significant price disparities exist among trade partners, with Austria having the highest import price and Denmark the lowest export price.
Key Findings
- UK market forecast to grow to 129K tons ($1.2B) by 2035
- Domestic production (108K tons) exceeded consumption (106K tons) in 2024
- Imports fell dramatically by 36.5% to 4.4K tons, led by Sweden and Germany
- Exports of 6.9K tons primarily destined for Italy, France, and Germany
- Major price gaps exist, with import prices from Austria nearly 7x higher than from Italy
Market Forecast
Driven by increasing demand for hot-rolled round bars of stainless steel in the UK, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next decade. Market performance is forecast to retain its current trend pattern, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +1.8% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market volume to 129K tons by the end of 2035.
In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +2.1% for the period from 2024 to 2035, which is projected to bring the market value to $1.2B (in nominal wholesale prices) by the end of 2035.
ConsumptionUnited Kingdom’s Consumption of Hot-Rolled Round Bars Of Stainless Steel
In 2024, the amount of hot-rolled round bars of stainless steel consumed in the UK was estimated at 106K tons, increasing by 4.1% compared with the year before. The total consumption volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.2% from 2013 to 2024; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2022 with an increase of 8.6% against the previous year. Hot-rolled round stainless steel consumption peaked in 2024 and is likely to see steady growth in years to come.
The revenue of the hot-rolled round stainless steel market in the UK reduced to $917M in 2024, dropping by -6.4% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers’ margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). Over the period under review, the total consumption indicated a notable increase from 2013 to 2024: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.1% over the last eleven-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Hot-rolled round stainless steel consumption peaked at $980M in 2023, and then reduced in the following year.
ProductionUnited Kingdom’s Production of Hot-Rolled Round Bars Of Stainless Steel
Hot-rolled round stainless steel production in the UK rose significantly to 108K tons in 2024, growing by 6.4% on 2023 figures. The total output volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.3% from 2013 to 2024; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2022 when the production volume increased by 12% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs in 2024 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.
In value terms, hot-rolled round stainless steel production contracted to $962M in 2024 estimated in export price. In general, production posted a noticeable increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 with an increase of 28%. Over the period under review, production reached the maximum level at $1B in 2023, and then fell in the following year.
ImportsUnited Kingdom’s Imports of Hot-Rolled Round Bars Of Stainless Steel
In 2024, approx. 4.4K tons of hot-rolled round bars of stainless steel were imported into the UK; falling by -36.5% on the year before. Overall, imports recorded a drastic downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 35%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at 15K tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2024, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.
In value terms, hot-rolled round stainless steel imports shrank notably to $32M in 2024. In general, imports continue to indicate a pronounced downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 43% against the previous year. Imports peaked at $71M in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2024, imports failed to regain momentum.
Imports By Country
Sweden (947 tons), Germany (744 tons) and Italy (692 tons) were the main suppliers of hot-rolled round stainless steel imports to the UK, with a combined 54% share of total imports. Spain, France, India, the Netherlands and Austria lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 38%.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by the Netherlands (with a CAGR of +18.5%), while imports for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.
In value terms, the largest hot-rolled round stainless steel suppliers to the UK were Sweden ($8M), Germany ($5.4M) and Spain ($4M), with a combined 55% share of total imports. France, Italy, India, the Netherlands and Austria lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 26%.
In terms of the main suppliers, the Netherlands, with a CAGR of +14.6%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
Import Prices By Country
The average hot-rolled round stainless steel import price stood at $7,201 per ton in 2024, rising by 7.5% against the previous year. In general, import price indicated a measured expansion from 2013 to 2024: its price increased at an average annual rate of +4.4% over the last eleven years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2024 figures, hot-rolled round stainless steel import price increased by +92.3% against 2016 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the average import price increased by 16% against the previous year. The import price peaked in 2024 and is likely to continue growth in the near future.
There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2024, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Austria ($19,684 per ton), while the price for Italy ($2,739 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Austria (+9.2%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.
ExportsUnited Kingdom’s Exports of Hot-Rolled Round Bars Of Stainless Steel
In 2024, hot-rolled round stainless steel exports from the UK contracted slightly to 6.9K tons, reducing by -2.9% compared with the previous year’s figure. Overall, exports saw a noticeable descent. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2022 with an increase of 38% against the previous year. The exports peaked at 12K tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, the exports remained at a lower figure.
In value terms, hot-rolled round stainless steel exports reduced dramatically to $64M in 2024. Over the period under review, exports showed a pronounced shrinkage. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2022 when exports increased by 46% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at $81M in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2024, the exports failed to regain momentum.
Exports By Country
Italy (1.3K tons), France (1.2K tons) and Germany (1.1K tons) were the main destinations of hot-rolled round stainless steel exports from the UK, with a combined 53% share of total exports. The United States, the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Poland, Denmark, Singapore, China, Norway, Ireland and Austria lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 36%.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Denmark (with a CAGR of +109.2%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
In value terms, the largest markets for hot-rolled round stainless steel exported from the UK were Italy ($14M), France ($12M) and Germany ($7.4M), with a combined 53% share of total exports. Poland, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, China, the Netherlands, Singapore, Norway, Denmark, Ireland and Austria lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 34%.
Denmark, with a CAGR of +92.9%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of exports, in terms of the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.
Export Prices By Country
In 2024, the average hot-rolled round stainless steel export price amounted to $9,249 per ton, reducing by -14.5% against the previous year. Over the period under review, export price indicated a temperate increase from 2013 to 2024: its price increased at an average annual rate of +2.9% over the last eleven years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 an increase of 39%. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the peak figure at $10,822 per ton in 2023, and then contracted in the following year.
There were significant differences in the average prices for the major export markets. In 2024, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Poland ($15,018 per ton), while the average price for exports to Denmark ($4,760 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From 2013 to 2024, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to the United Arab Emirates (+7.4%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.
This report provides a comprehensive view of the hot-rolled round stainless steel industry in the United Kingdom, tracking demand, supply, and trade flows across the national value chain. It explains how demand across key channels and end-use segments shapes consumption patterns, while also mapping the role of input availability, production efficiency, and regulatory standards on supply.
Beyond headline metrics, the study benchmarks prices, margins, and trade routes so you can see where value is created and how it moves between domestic suppliers and international partners. The analysis is designed to support strategic planning, market entry, portfolio prioritization, and risk management in the hot-rolled round stainless steel landscape in the United Kingdom.
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Key findings
- Domestic demand is shaped by both household and industrial usage, with trade flows linking local supply to imports and exports.
- Pricing dynamics reflect unit values, freight costs, exchange rates, and regulatory shifts that affect sourcing decisions.
- Supply depends on input availability and production efficiency, creating a distinct national cost curve.
- Market concentration varies by segment, creating different competitive landscapes and entry barriers.
- The 2035 outlook highlights where capacity investment and demand growth are most aligned within the country.
Report scope
The report combines market sizing with trade intelligence and price analytics for the United Kingdom. It covers both historical performance and the forward outlook to 2035, allowing you to compare cycles, structural shifts, and policy impacts.
- Market size and growth in value and volume terms
- Consumption structure by end-use segments
- Production capacity, output, and cost dynamics
- Trade flows, exporters, importers, and balances
- Price benchmarks, unit values, and margin signals
- Competitive context and market entry conditions
Product coverage
- Prodcom 24106410 – Hot-rolled round bars, of stainless steel
Country coverageCountry profile and benchmarks
This report provides a consistent view of market size, trade balance, prices, and per-capita indicators for the United Kingdom. The profile highlights demand structure and trade position, enabling benchmarking against regional and global peers.
Methodology
The analysis is built on a multi-source framework that combines official statistics, trade records, company disclosures, and expert validation. Data are standardized, reconciled, and cross-checked to ensure consistency across time series.
- International trade data (exports, imports, and mirror statistics)
- National production and consumption statistics
- Company-level information from financial filings and public releases
- Price series and unit value benchmarks
- Analyst review, outlier checks, and time-series validation
All data are normalized to a common product definition and mapped to a consistent set of codes. This ensures that comparisons across time are aligned and actionable.
Forecasts to 2035
The forecast horizon extends to 2035 and is based on a structured model that links hot-rolled round stainless steel demand and supply to macroeconomic indicators, trade patterns, and sector-specific drivers. The model captures both cyclical and structural factors and reflects known policy and technology shifts in the United Kingdom.
- Historical baseline: 2012-2025
- Forecast horizon: 2026-2035
- Scenario-based sensitivity to income growth, substitution, and regulation
- Capacity and investment outlook for major producing companies
Each projection is built from national historical patterns and the broader regional context, allowing the report to show where growth is concentrated and where risks are elevated.
Price analysis and trade dynamics
Prices are analyzed in detail, including export and import unit values, regional spreads, and changes in trade costs. The report highlights how seasonality, freight rates, exchange rates, and supply disruptions influence pricing and margins.
- Price benchmarks by country and sub-region
- Export and import unit value trends
- Seasonality and calendar effects in trade flows
- Price outlook to 2035 under baseline assumptions
Profiles of market participants
Key producers, exporters, and distributors are profiled with a focus on their operational scale, geographic footprint, product mix, and market positioning. This helps identify competitive pressure points, partnership opportunities, and routes to differentiation.
- Business focus and production capabilities
- Geographic reach and distribution networks
- Cost structure and pricing strategy indicators
- Compliance, certification, and sustainability context
How to use this report
- Quantify domestic demand and identify the most attractive segments
- Evaluate export opportunities and prioritize target destinations
- Track price dynamics and protect margins
- Benchmark performance against leading competitors
- Build evidence-based forecasts for investment decisions
This report is designed for manufacturers, distributors, importers, wholesalers, investors, and advisors who need a clear, data-driven picture of hot-rolled round stainless steel dynamics in the United Kingdom.
FAQ
What is included in the hot-rolled round stainless steel market in the United Kingdom?
The market size aggregates consumption and trade data, presented in both value and volume terms.
How are the forecasts to 2035 built?
The projections combine historical trends with macroeconomic indicators, trade dynamics, and sector-specific drivers.
Does the report cover prices and margins?
Yes, it includes export and import unit values, regional spreads, and a pricing outlook to 2035.
Which benchmarks are included?
The report benchmarks market size, trade balance, prices, and per-capita indicators for the United Kingdom.
Can this report support market entry decisions?
Yes, it highlights demand hotspots, trade routes, pricing trends, and competitive context.