Outokumpu, a Finnish stainless steel company, reported a difficult year largely attributed to the weak demand for stainless steel. They announced a loss of 83 million euros in the last quarter of the year, with revenue dropping to just under 1.2 billion euros. This downturn in profitability is linked to increasing uncertainty and global trade disruptions that have impacted the steel industry as a whole. Furthermore, the decline in both the volumes and prices of stainless steel sales has put additional pressure on their financial performance.

Europe emerged as a significant concern for Outokumpu, as the company's stainless steel deliveries in the region plummeted by 23 percent in Q4 compared to the previous year. This steep decline reflects the challenging market conditions and difficulties pertaining to the implementation of their supply chain systems. The adverse market conditions have pressured the company to reassess its strategies in Europe, where demand continues to struggle.

Despite these financial challenges, Outokumpu has decided to maintain its commitment to shareholders by issuing a dividend of 0.13 euros per share for the previous year. This decision to pay dividends amidst losses illustrates the company's intent to reassure investors and maintain shareholder confidence, even as it navigates through a tough economic landscape in the steel sector.