Global steel and mining major ArcelorMittal reported stronger financial performance for the second quarter ended June 30, 2026, driven by improved steel prices, resilient demand and better profitability across its operations, particularly in Europe. The company posted sales of $16.76 billion, up from $15.46 billion in the previous quarter, while EBITDA rose 22.9 per cent sequentially to $2.06 billion. Net income increased to $683 million, with earnings per share improving to $0.90 from $0.76 in the first quarter. The company also reported an EBITDA margin of $155 per tonne, reflecting gains from strategic investments, asset optimisation and diversified market exposure.
ArcelorMittal said Europe is showing signs of recovery following the implementation of the new Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) mechanism and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which are expected to support domestic steelmakers. The company expects European steel shipments in the third quarter to remain stable or improve despite the usual seasonal slowdown, while shipments in the second half of 2026 are projected to exceed first-half levels.
Chief Executive Officer Aditya Mittal said the company continues to build structurally stronger profitability while maintaining a robust investment-grade balance sheet. He said ArcelorMittal remains focused on expanding its footprint in high-growth markets such as India, strengthening its renewable energy portfolio, increasing electrical steel capacity and pursuing downstream expansion opportunities in Brazil and Liberia. The company expects its portfolio of strategic growth projects to contribute around $1.8 billion in additional EBITDA from 2026 onwards.
Kolkata, a key steel consumption and trading hub in eastern India, is likely to closely track ArcelorMittal’s positive outlook, particularly as infrastructure, construction and manufacturing activities continue to drive steel demand in the region. The company’s emphasis on expanding its India business and investing in downstream and value-added steel products could strengthen supply chains and create opportunities for steel distributors, engineering firms and industrial consumers across eastern India, including the Kolkata market.
