Separately, ramp-up difficulties at the company’s new Vizag facility in India reduced trading profit by an estimated £2 million. Collis said MMS, which generated £6 million of annual trading profit when acquired, contributed £4 million during the first half. China’s steel production declined 3%. Vesuvius expects European steel production to improve in the second half following new EU steel regulations that became effective July 1. Looking ahead, André said Vesuvius expects full-year trading profit to be slightly ahead of 2025 on a constant-currency basis, while remaining mindful of geopolitical uncertainty related to the Middle East.