The Irish Steel Market Outlook for 2025: Challenges & Opportunities
With 2025 well underway, Ireland’s steel sector stands at a unique crossroads. While there’s positive momentum in areas such as public infrastructure and housing, challenges like pricing volatility, labour shortages, and supply chain pressures remain front of mind for suppliers and buyers alike.
At RFL Steels, we regularly engage with industry publications and organisations to stay ahead of emerging trends. One such resource—the End of Year Report on the Irish Steel Industry (2024), published by Irish Steel in partnership with Jim Power Economics—offers valuable insight into the broader factors shaping the market.
As one of Irish Steel’s recognised Essential Industry Partners, RFL Steels Ltd. values the role the organisation plays in strengthening communication across the sector. While we encourage readers to explore the full report, several key points stood out to us and reflect what we’re seeing on the ground in our own day-to-day work as steel stockholders in Ireland.
Steel Demand Remains Steady, but the Landscape is Complex
The Irish Steel report points to an overall positive outlook for steel demand in the coming year, stating:
At RFL Steels, we can see this sentiment echoed in the volume and variety of enquiries we’re receiving. Housing remains a key driver of activity—both public and private—and we’re seeing growing interest from contractors involved in energy, infrastructure, and agricultural development. Demand hasn’t dropped off, but the broader picture is shifting in ways that require more careful planning.
We’re also seeing increased attention on material planning at earlier stages of the build cycle. Engineers and buyers are no longer just asking for availability—they want to confirm sizing, cost implications, and lead times upfront, especially when ordering specific steel beam sizes for structural work.
Steel Prices in Ireland: What to Expect
Volatility in steel prices remains one of the more challenging factors for both suppliers and buyers. According to the Irish Steel report:
This kind of fluctuation can make it difficult for construction businesses and project managers to plan confidently. At RFL Steels, we aim to reduce that uncertainty by maintaining transparent communication and providing as much lead time as possible on any material changes.
While we don’t claim to predict pricing shifts, we closely monitor global and domestic trends that may affect steel prices in Ireland. Supply chain challenges, energy costs, international tariffs, and domestic labour pressures all play a part. Our recommendation to customers remains consistent: where possible, order early and engage with your supplier on lead times and availability—particularly when sourcing high-volume materials like steel beam sizes.
Labour Market Pressures and Rising Operational Costs
A major concern raised in the Irish Steel report is the strain on the labour market, particularly for industries reliant on fabrication and skilled trades. As they put it:
This aligns with what we’ve experienced and heard across the supply chain. From transport and warehousing to fabrication and installation, recruitment remains a challenge—and the cost of retaining talent continues to rise. These pressures affect project timelines, operational costs, and ultimately, the availability and pricing of materials.
For buyers of steel products, this means that timeframes can occasionally be longer than expected, particularly during peak periods. At RFL Steels, we’re investing in efficiencies and relationships that help minimise delays, but the reality is that the entire sector is feeling the pressure from labour costs and capacity limits.
Supply Chain Conditions & Regulation
Although supply disruptions have eased somewhat since the height of the pandemic, new challenges continue to emerge. The report highlights the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which came into effect in 2023 and will be phased in more fully by 2026.
The CBAM introduces new reporting requirements for certain steel imports and is aimed at reducing carbon leakage across EU member states. While it doesn’t yet directly impact every buyer, it does create longer-term cost implications that could influence where and how materials are sourced—especially when looking for specific products like steel beam sizes or custom-fabricated parts.
As a domestic supplier, RFL Steels remains committed to maintaining local, compliant, and cost-effective sourcing options for our customers. It’s part of why many clients come to us when searching for reliable solutions and current insight into steel prices in Ireland.
Opportunities Remain: Housing, Infrastructure, and Innovation
Despite the challenges, opportunities within the Irish market remain strong. The report points to continued public investment in housing, infrastructure, and renewable energy as key drivers for the industry in 2025.
At RFL Steels, we’ve noticed an increase in demand for steel tied to modular housing, public works tenders, and utility upgrades. These projects often require specific products like steel beam sizes and plate material that meet stringent standards and timeframes. We’re well-positioned to support these builds and are actively working with contractors across Ireland to ensure availability.
Additionally, projects tied to sustainability goals and green energy are becoming more common. As regulations evolve, having a local supply partner who understands the compliance landscape becomes more important than ever.
Final Thoughts
2025 is shaping up to be another dynamic year for the Irish steel industry. With steady demand, regulatory developments, and pricing uncertainties in play, the market continues to evolve. At RFL Steels, we’re staying close to these changes so that we can continue supporting our customers with timely advice and dependable supply.
This blog was inspired by insights shared in the End of Year Report on the Irish Steel Industry (2024), published by Irish Steel. We value their work in representing the sector and encouraging shared knowledge across the industry. If you’re planning a project or simply keeping an eye on steel prices in Ireland, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. Whether you’re looking for flexible solutions or dependable stock of popular steel beam sizes, we’re here to help you plan ahead and build with confidence.
