Chinese steel overcapacity and export dumping - China's 1+ billion ton annual capacity creates persistent oversupply risk that pressures global pricing, particularly in commodity steel grades
Energy transition away from fossil fuels - long-term decline in oil & gas pipeline demand as renewable energy displaces hydrocarbons, though offshore wind creates partial offset demand
Carbon border adjustment mechanisms and emissions regulations - steel is carbon-intensive; EU CBAM and similar policies may impose cost penalties on exports
Competition from lower-cost producers in Southeast Asia and India with newer facilities and lower labor costs
Technological substitution risk - composite materials and alternative piping solutions in certain applications
Customer concentration in energy sector - dependence on cyclical oil & gas capex creates revenue volatility
Negative free cash flow of -$627.9B KRW (massive capex of $908.7B) suggests ongoing capacity expansion or modernization that strains liquidity during downcycle
Low profitability margins (1.2% net margin) provide minimal buffer against raw material cost inflation or pricing pressure
Working capital intensity - steel manufacturing requires significant inventory of raw materials and finished goods, tying up cash
StructuralCompetitiveBalance Sheet