ENCOSE Represents at the Fastmarkets International Iron Ore & Green Steel Summit 2025 in Barcelona. The event gathered global leaders from mining, steel, energy, logistics, and regulatory sectors to address the accelerating transformation of the steel industry.
Among the core themes were green steel economics, CBAM readiness, and strategic sourcing of low-carbon iron ore. We engaged with emerging technologies such as hydrogen-based direct reduction and examined market shifts, including new pellet capacity and decarbonised feedstock trade flows.
The summit also reinforced how critical freight optimization and emissions compliance are becoming to competitiveness. At ENCOSE, we are integrating these insights into our services to support clients navigating this transformation.
Key Takeaways from the Summit
- Green Steel and Its Complex Value Proposition:
While green steel has become a global niche, the industry still struggles with pricing premiums, technological integration, and a lack of harmonized standards. The consensus is clear—value must be created and communicated throughout the supply chain. - DRI, EAF, and Hydrogen Projects Leading the Charge:
With over 70 EAF and DRI projects announced globally, including hydrogen-based initiatives, the production landscape is undergoing a fundamental transformation. The MENA region and Europe remain at the forefront. - Iron Ore and Raw Material Innovation:
High-grade DR pellet feed, cold agglomerated materials, and responsibly sourced ores from regions like Brazil and South Africa are central to enabling low-emission pathways. Anglo American and other majors showcased responsible sourcing and digital traceability tools. - CBAM’s Impact on Global Trade:
The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism is poised to reshape global iron and steel supply chains. As CBAM enters full implementation from 2027, transparent emissions data and upstream decarbonization will become non-negotiable for exporters to Europe. A strong message: CBAM will shift competitiveness within the global supply chain. - Freight & Logistics Strategy:
While scrap-EAF will account for a growing share of production, collection, quality, and availability constraints pose significant risks. Strategic planning around feedstock diversity is key.
This summit confirms what ENCOSE has long been advising: industrial decarbonization is not a single-technology fix—it’s a strategic transformation that spans the value chain. We’re proud to bring these insights directly to our clients as we continue supporting their journey through CBAM compliance, green procurement strategies, and carbon cost optimization.
The event was not only a platform for technical insight and policy foresight, but also a hub of strategic engagement. With outstanding presentations and high-level discussions shaping the future of iron and steel, ENCOSE took the opportunity to engage in valuable business conversations and forward-looking exchanges with global industry leaders—including Emsteel, Rio Tinto, ArcelorMittal, Anglo American, U.S. Steel, Hyundai Steel, Trafigura, BHP, Bahrain Steel, Ezz Steel, Qatar Steel, and many others. These interactions laid the groundwork for potential collaborations and strengthened our position within the evolving landscape of decarbonized steel and carbon market compliance. We return from Barcelona energized, informed, and even more committed to delivering tailored, strategic solutions for our clients.