Speaker session,
Strategy, Steel and Supply Chains
James May, Head of Strategy at Duferco International Trading Holding, on the steel industry and raw material markets.
- Date
- Location
- University of St. Gallen
- Speaker
- James May, Head of Strategy, Duferco International Trading Holding
Recap
On 27 November 2025, we welcomed James May, Head of Strategy at Duferco International Trading Holding, for a masterclass on steel and raw material markets.
Mr May explained what it takes to manage one of the world's largest steel portfolios, from high-level strategy to the day-to-day mechanics of trading structures.
The session ended with an extended Q&A, in which our members asked about career paths and market forecasting. Thank you to Mr May for his openness and direct answers.
Key takeaways
Relationships matter
Despite the push for digitalisation, steel trading remains a highly human, relationship-driven business.
Risk is constant
Price volatility and supply chain disruptions are the core concerns for a strategist.
The physical edge
You cannot trade effectively without a deep understanding of the physical market and its logistics.
Geopolitics
New global players and shifting geopolitical lines are rapidly reshaping how and where steel moves.