WHAT HAPPENED

POSCO said higher steel selling prices and sales volumes supported a modest quarter-on-quarter increase in steel sales and operating profit despite rising raw-material and oil costs. The company also reported stabilized operations and a first quarterly profit at POSCO-Argentina’s first salt-lake lithium plant. POSCO International achieved record quarterly operating profit, supported by its Myanmar and Australian gas fields and Indonesia palm business. Separately, a new electric arc furnace at Gwangyang Works started up during the first half of 2026.

MetalMate summary of the linked evidence
WHY IT MATTERS

Commercial context

Commercially, the steel improvement indicates that pricing and shipment gains were sufficient to absorb higher input costs during the quarter, although POSCO did not disclose segment-level figures. Improved lithium and energy earnings broadened group profit support beyond steel, while restructuring added cash. The Gwangyang electric arc furnace start-up is operationally relevant, but the source did not provide its capacity or detailed production contribution.

MetalMate analysis
KEY DETAILS
  • Q2 2026 consolidated sales: KRW 19.259 trillion; operating profit: KRW 819 billion; net profit: KRW 761 billion.
  • Steel sales and operating profit increased slightly quarter-on-quarter on higher prices and volumes, despite increased raw-material and oil costs.
  • POSCO-Argentina recorded its first quarterly profit following stabilized operations and equipment improvements at its first salt-lake lithium plant.
  • POSCO Pilbara Lithium Solution improved earnings through higher sales and prices; POSCO HY Clean Metal has reported monthly profits since December 2025.
  • POSCO International posted its highest-ever quarterly operating profit, supported by gas and palm operations.
  • First-half restructuring generated about KRW 480 billion from 12 transactions, taking cumulative proceeds to KRW 2.2 trillion from 85 transactions.
  • All operating and profitability statements are company-reported by POSCO Group Newsroom.
WHAT TO WATCH

Watch whether steel selling prices and volumes continue to outpace raw-material and energy costs, and whether POSCO provides segment earnings or output data for the Gwangyang electric arc furnace. Lithium operating consistency and further restructuring cash generation will also be important indicators of group-level earnings resilience.

Source & methodology +

MetalMate separates original-source evidence from summary and analysis. Verify the original source before procurement, legal or engineering decisions.

Article status
Published · Version 1
Source date
Not supplied
MetalMate publication
23 September 2026
Verification
Automated evidence checks; not human reviewed

POSCO Holdings announces Q2 2026 results… profitability improved on visible gains centered on lithium and LNG resources — POSCO Group Newsroom
MetalMate provides an English summary; consult the original wording.