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Outokumpu Finland beats earnings expectations in challenging environment

Outokumpu, a Finnish stainless steel manufacturer, reported Thursday a core income that was above the market expectation for the second quarter. It also said that it has increased its target of short-term savings to 60 million euro ($68.6 millions) by 2025.

Outokumpu's consensus forecast had analysts expecting 69 million euros.

In an earnings report, CEO Kati Ter Horst stated that "we continued to benefit from the strong market positions we have in Europe and the U.S."

She did say, however, the quarter was marked with uncertainty and increased geopolitical tensions. This led to an increase in caution among customers.

The tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on U.S. imports will be a challenge for European steelmakers who are already facing a weak demand, high prices and fierce competition from Chinese imports.

Trump's tariffs, which were first introduced at 25% and then increased to 50%, divert shipments intended for the U.S.

Outokumpu stated that "Asian imports into Europe remain high in comparison to the low demand on the stainless steel market."

It said that the company's deliveries of stainless steel rose to 483,000 tonnes during the second quarter but will decline between 5-15% due to seasonality and the market's weakness in the third. (1 euro = $0.8744) (Reporting and editing by Milla Nissi-Prussak, Gdansk)

(source: Reuters)