Thyssenkrupp's stock crashes 44% as oil prices surge and imports bite
Thyssenkrupp's share price has hit a new 52-week low of €7.46, marking a steep decline of nearly 44% from its October peak. The industrial giant is now grappling with rising production costs and mounting pressure from cheaper imports.
Meanwhile, oil prices have surged dramatically, with Brent crude reaching roughly $113 per barrel and OPEC oil climbing to $143.
The company's struggles have intensified over the past month, with shares dropping by around 31%. Its French production site has also faced cuts, further straining operations. Analysts note that the current share price underscores the depth of Thyssenkrupp's crisis.
Oil prices began their sharp ascent in early March 2026, following escalating tensions in Iran. Brent crude has since fluctuated between $80 and $120 per barrel, a significant jump from the $65 average seen in 2024–2025. The spike has driven up Thyssenkrupp's production expenses, adding to its financial strain. In response to rising fuel costs, the German government is preparing a relief package. Measures include releasing parts of the national oil reserves to ease market pressure. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has also raised doubts about the legally binding coal phaseout scheduled for 2038, suggesting a possible rethink of energy policies.
Thyssenkrupp now faces a dual challenge: soaring oil prices and fierce competition from low-cost imports. The government's intervention aims to stabilise fuel costs, but the company's share decline reflects deeper economic pressures. How these measures will impact long-term production remains to be seen.
