PKX

POSCO Holdings (PKX) signed a KRW 1.1 trillion lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode supply contract with SK On through 2029, marking its first cathode deal with the battery maker. The company is expanding LFP production capacity to meet growing demand from energy storage systems and AI data centers, while also investing in graphite anode materials and new production processes to strengthen its battery materials portfolio.

The South American steel wire rods market is projected to grow by over USD 1.69 billion during 2026-2031, driven by infrastructure investment, housing construction, agricultural mechanization, and industrial modernization. Brazil leads regional production and consumption, while mini-mill technology and scrap-based electric arc furnace production improve manufacturing economics. Key growth segments include alloy steel, energy applications, and galvanized wire rods, though challenges include economic uncertainty and limited advanced manufacturing capability.

The global soft magnetic materials market is projected to grow from USD 20.89 billion in 2025 to USD 30.62 billion by 2031, driven by electric vehicle adoption, renewable energy expansion, and smart grid development. Key materials include electrical steel, soft ferrites, and amorphous/nanocrystalline alloys used in transformers, motors, and power electronics. Asia-Pacific leads the market, with major players focusing on low-loss, high-performance solutions for automotive and energy applications.