Nordic steel prices are being supported by anticipated supply constraints and rising costs, MEPS’s latest Market in Minutes podcast reveals.

Steel market analyst Adam Crookes joined MEPS managing editor Tom Sharpe to provide an 11-minute overview of the steel markets in Finland, Denmark, Norway and Sweden in the new episode.

Crookes said that steel demand had failed to live up to expectations during the first four months of the year. However, supply concerns have prompted a degree of restocking and some notable price increases. MEPS's Nordic hot rolled coil prices have risen by an average of more than 10% during the period.

Also discussed in the Nordic-themed Market in Minutes podcast are:

• Rising inflation and the risks it poses to a steel demand recovery
• How steelmakers’ delivery lead times indicate available capacity for certain products
• Long products’ continued price rises amid increasing EAF production costs