Just a few months after the increase of Section 232 tariffs to 50%, U.S. stainless steel mills are already operating close to their real production limits. According to market sources, the nominal capacity utilization currently exceeds 80%, corresponding to a real utilization rate of over 95%. Even slight increases in demand could therefore lead to supply shortages in the U.S. stainless steel market.

As in the European Union, North American stainless steel capacities are limited and cannot meet domestic demand alone. According to the EU Joint Research Centre, Europe must cover up to 25% of its stainless steel demand through imports.