Salzgitter AG raises 2026 forecasts as German steel output climbs modestly

Salzgitter AG, Germany’s leading steel producer, announced a significant lift in its 2026 outlook after the first half‑year results and the full acquisition of Hüttenwerke Krupp Mannesmann (HKM). The board now expects EBITDA of €725‑€825 million, up from the previous €625‑€725 million range, and revenue of around €10 billion, roughly €0.5 billion higher. The improved figures stem from the consolidation of the HKM purchase and stronger core operations, helping the company beat analysts’ profit forecasts. The share price rose about 4 % before the weekend and added another 1.6 % on the following Monday.

German steel production in the first half of 2026 increased 9 % year‑on‑year to 18.6 million tonnes of crude steel, but the sector remains fragile. The industry association warned that the 2026 annual total of roughly 37 million tonnes stays well below the 40 million‑tonne level needed for sustainable capacity utilisation. Persistent weak demand in construction, machinery and automotive segments was cited as the main constraint. "Echte Erholung beginnt erst, wenn auch die reale Stahlnachfrage zurückkehrt," said Kerstin Maria Rippel, head of the association. The sector looks to new EU anti‑dumping duties on steel imports, introduced in July, as a protective measure to improve long‑term demand and utilisation across Germany and the EU.