Liberty Galați, Romania’s only flat steel producer, has successfully restarted blast furnace No. 5 just one week after a technical malfunction temporarily halted operations. The furnace, which is the plant’s only active blast furnace, resumed production following more than a year of overall operational inactivity at the mill.
The restart marks a significant milestone for Romania’s steel industry, as Liberty Galați has an annual production capacity of 3 million metric tons. Its return to the market is expected to ease reliance on flat steel imports, but uncertainties remain.
Despite local media confirming the operational restart, Liberty Galați has not yet issued an official statement, prompting concerns among buyers and stakeholders. Market participants remain cautious, hesitant to place new orders due to doubts over the plant’s long-term production stability.
Compounding these concerns are the company’s ongoing financial troubles, including outstanding debts and delays in employee salary payments. These issues have raised serious questions about the sustainability of Liberty Galați’s operations, with employees voicing increasing worry over job security.
VietnamSteel by Hoa Sen Group
