Turkey’s export target for 2010 is $111 billion

Turkish Exporters' Association (TIM) president Mehmet Buyukeksi said on December 30, that Turkey's export target for 2010 is $111 billion.

Mr. Buyukeksi said that, although the global economic crisis negatively affected exports this year, as of the last quarter of 2009 the macroeconomic situation started to recover and thus the outlook for 2010 has improved. "It is obvious that we have reached the end of the downturn. 2010 will be the year of recovery. We foresee that all the economies of the world will indicate a more positive trend," he said.

Meanwhile, Istanbul Ferrous and Non-ferrous Metal Exporters' Association (IDDMIB) president Thasin Oztiryaki said that the hike in exports registered in the last quarter of 2009 is likely to continue in 2010. Mr. Oztiryaki stated that in 2009 exports of ferrous and non-ferrous metals would amount to a value of $5 billion, while the export target for next year has been set at $6.5 billion.

On the other hand, Istanbul Mineral Exporters' Association (IMIB) president Ali Kahyaoğlu said that Turkey's local mining industry expects exports to do well in 2010 and that the association expects the recent hike in exports in the last three months to continue in the New Year. Mr. Kahyaoglu also said that the revoked mineral act should be re-implemented and announced the mineral export target for 2010 as three billion dollars.

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US raw steel output dips slightly during Christmas week

US raw steel output declined 2.3 percent during the holiday week ended December 26, 2009, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).

AISI reported that US raw steel production in the week ended December 26, 2009 totaled 1,445,000 nt, down 2.3 percent from the 1,479,000 nt produced in the previous week, though up 48.2 percent from the 975,000 nt produced during same week of last year. In the week ended December 26, US steelmakers were producing at 60.6 percent capacity, said AISI.

This is down from the prior week's 62.0 percent but significantly up from the corresponding week of last year's 40.9 percent. Adjusted year-to-date raw steel production in the US through December 26, 2009 totaled 62,802,000 nt, which is down 37.0 percent from the same period of last year.
YTD capacity utilization amongst US steelmakers as of December 26 was 51.2 percent, compared to 81.4 percent for the corresponding period of last year.

Info from steel Orbis
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November 2009 Crude Steel Production

Brussels – World crude steel production for the 66 countries reporting to the World Steel Association (worldsteel) was 107.5 million metric tons (mmt) in November 2009. This is 24.2% higher than November 2008. November 2009 is the third month in a row showing a positive year-on-year growth rate since September 2008.


Most major steel-producing countries showed an increase in crude steel production in November 2009 compared to the same month last year.






China’s crude steel production for November 2009 was 47.3 mmt, 37.4% higher than November 2008.

Elsewhere in Asia, Japan produced 8.9 mmt of crude steel in November 2009, up by 0.5% compared to the same month last year. South Korea showed an increase of 7.5% from November 2008, producing 4.3 mmt of crude steel in November 2009. In the EU, Germany’s crude steel production was 3.5 mmt in November 2009, an increase of 8.0% from November 2008. Italy produced 1.9 mmt in November 2009, down by -17.2% from November 2008.

Russia’s crude steel production for November 2009 was 5.3 mmt, an increase of 42.6% compared to November 2008. Ukraine produced 2.7 mmt in November 2009, 67.1% higher than the same month last year.

Turkey produced 2.1 mmt of crude steel in November 2009, an 18.3% increase from November 2008.

The US produced 6.0 mmt of crude steel in November 2009, an increase of 26.9% compared to the same month last year. Brazil’s crude steel production in November 2009 was 2.7 mmt, 15.1% higher than November 2008.

Total crude steel production in the 66 reporting countries for the first 11 months of 2009 was 1,090 mmt, a -10.8% decrease over the same period of 2008.

The world crude steel capacity utilisation ratio in November 2009 was 75.0%, a slight decline from 76.9% in October 2009. Compared to November 2008, the utilisation ratio in November 2009 increased by 10.4 percentage points.

Info from world Steel Association

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EU steel market stuck in slow motion - EUROFER

EU steel market stuck in slow motion - EUROFER
EUROFER's October report on the Economic and Steel Market Outlook 2009-2011 shows that the EU economy most likely turned the corner during the 3rd quarter of 2009. However, the recovery penciled in for the coming quarters will be slow and is still surrounded by high levels of uncertainty.Mr Gordon Moffat director general of EUROFER said that "While the economy probably reached a turning point, the EU steel market will remain stuck in slow motion for the time being."Prospects for the EU’s steel using sectors, such as automotive and the construction sector, remain subdued. Despite stabilizing financial markets, financing is still a bottleneck for many companies. Industrial orders are still weak despite some inventory replenishment. The report shows that while year on year output growth should turn positive again in the 2nd quarter of 2010, it could take to 2011 before a more pronounced rebound in output begins.Weak activity in the steel using industries and sharp destocking in the steel supply chain resulted in steel demand falling by 45% YoY in the first half of 2009 and by almost 32% in the 3rd quarter. The inventory situation is now better aligned with the current weak level of steel demand. Some customers returned cautiously to the market to fill gaps in their stocks, this led to the downward trend in orders at EU mills bottoming out.The stock cycle will also set the stage in 2010. Some inventory build up following heavy destocking in 2009 will lead to a technical recovery in steel demand. With a forward view to 2011 it is expected that rising end user activity should provide a broader basis for steel demand growth. So far this year, imports were at much reduced levels compared with 2007 and 2008.Mr Moffat warns that "Global crude steel production increasing in anticipation of a recovery in steel demand which yet has to materialize remains a major risk for the EU supply demand balance."

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Price collapse may force Chinese steel mills to cut output

Price collapse may force Chinese steel mills to cut output
It is reported that China steel mills are forced to make a tough decision cut output or cut price to support a steel recovery since domestic steel industry has walked to a crossroad with historical high steel output and stocks in one hand and the stabilizing signs of the fragile steel market in the other hand.1. Record steel output, stocks versus sharp price fallsAccording to latest statistics from China Iron & Steel Association, crude steel output of its member units in early September amounted to 12.78 million tonnes or roughly 16.66 million tonnes of China total and 1.67 million tonnes per day off merely 22,000 tonnes from the average number in August.China Securities Journal, citing a market insider said "The tiny output decline would do nothing to help trade for a gold September and October steel season.”China steel output hit an all time high of 52.32 million tonnes in August and market stocks also surged to this year record 10.95 million tonnes. However, steel price falls in the month were also striking, according to CISA, price for HRC, wire rod and rebar shed 8.19%, 7.19% and 4.56% respectively in August 11th to 31st. And the price declines have extended into early September and started to show signs of stabilizing until mid of the month. However it’s still a myth whether the expected rebound would come.2. Mills forced to cut output to arrest price downtrendThe high stockpiles must be worked down, bringing a tough choice for steel mills and traders: whether to cut prices to boost demand, or cut output to arrest price downtrend? In fact, output cutback seems the only choice.Prices for major steel products have approached costs line after slumps. And Baosteel, Wuhan Steel and Angang also revised down base prices for October by CNY 300 per tonne to CNY 500 per tonne. Steel market seems also has its own logic once steel mills’ ex works prices go in line with market price high stocks would be digested, and output will be under control then price decline would halt and move up.Orders at leading steel mills are lackluster in September. Orders at Taigang might drop by 0.16 million tonnes and Shougang by 0.14 million tonnes while Wuhan Steel and Angang are also hard to realize monthly production tasks. Therefore, real output cutback might occur in mid and late September.
However, there will be a contest among steel mills since everyone hopes others to take the lead. But the final result is fixed since agents also cut back their order sizes on bleak prospect.

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Beam prices rise in Taiwan

In the local Taiwanese market the price of A36/SS 400 H-beam, which has recorded an increase of NTD 500/mt ($15/mt) as compared to last week, is being quoted at NTD 20,500-22,000/mt ($633-679/mt) for delivery to customer.
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Prices in italian rebars market

In the Italian domestic market local mills' medium sized rebar prices are around €380/mt ($555/mt) ex-works, excluding VAT, on actual weight and open account basis. Meanwhile, Italian mills are offering rebar for export at around the level of €370/mt ($541/mt) FOB. Currently it is possible to hear various price levels in the Italian domestic and export rebar markets. In particular the €/$ exchange rate can be effective in offers given for export.

€1 = US$1.46130
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Domestic rebar prices in the Portuguese market

Medium sized prices in the Portuguese domestic market are standing in the 375-395€/mt delivered to costumer, excluding VAT, on actual weight basis. In the market in question prices continue to show variation depending on tonnage and payment terms.
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Turkish Mill Kardemir revises rebar prices

With its new price dated September 7,2009, Turkish steel producer Kademir has updated its domestic price for rebar.Accordingly, Kardemir today opened its domestic sales for 12-22mm diameter rebar at the price level of 490,04$+VAT ex-works and including 18%VAT, for 1000mt and above orders, with 25percent on cash payment basis, with 25 percent each on 30-day, 60-day and 90-day deferred payment basis, and with no interestest accruing due to payment deferral. The producer's rebar prices were at the level of 567,92$/mt ex-works, including 18 percent, in its price list dated September3.
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( http://steelsupplier.blogspot.com )

Merchant bar prices in the Italian domestic market

Merchant bar prices in the Italian domestic market

4-09-2009

In the post-holiday period, Italian producers are tending to increase their merchant bar prices depending on the increases seen in scarp prices. In the market question merchant bar prices are currently in the range of 450-470€/mt ex-works on actual weight and open account basis. Producers domestic merchant bar offers are higher than their export offers, while it is reported that a certain degree of recovery has also been observed in terms of local demand.


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(http://steelsuplier.blogspot.com )

Salzgitter plans price hikes in all product groups

Salzgitter plans price hikes in all product groups

Salzgitter is preparing price increases in its three main steel product groups – strip, sections and plate - and suggests the latter two will climb by €20-30/tonne ($29-43/t).
For sections from its Peine mill, the German group announces an increase of €25/t on base prices with immediate effect for deliveries from 1 October 2009.
The increase reflects increased capacity usage at Peine’s revamped rolling mill, a spokesman says. It does not include potential changes in the scrap surcharge, he adds.For sections, it was not possible to achieve price increases for the third quarter. The spokesman blames sluggish demand for the products due to a standstill in infrastructural construction projects. “The government’s incentives have not taken effect in construction yet, unlike in the car industry,” he tells Steel Business Briefing.
For plate, the company will lift prices by €20-30/t for products rolled in the fourth quarter. Its Ilsenburg mill is loaded up until October, it says. For basic plate grades, some increases could also be achieved in the third quarter, it adds.One plate market observer confirms to SBB that “basic grades will go up in price,” but notes that higher qualities might be confined to “stability, but with a trend upwards.”
Germany’s other quarto plate makers, Dillinger Hütte and ThyssenKrupp, are refraining from making announcements.
For strip, Salzgitter says it is experiencing strengthened orders from the automotive industry, and has announced an as yet undisclosed price hike for the fourth quarter.( http://hectorhec.jimdo.com )
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Crude Steel Production Aug 2009

July 2009

Brussels - World crude steel production for the 66 countries reporting to the World Steel Association (worldsteel) was 103.9 million metric tons (mmt) in July. Although this is -11.1% lower than July 2008 production, it is the highest monthly production figure this year.
China’s crude steel production for July 2009 was 50.7 mmt, 12.6% higher than July 2008. It is the first time ever that China has produced over 50 mmt of crude steel in a month accounting for almost 50% of world crude steel production. Since April 2009, world and China’s crude steel production has shown a steady month on month increase.


Elsewhere in Asia, Japan produced 7.7 mmt of crude steel in July 2009, down by -24.9% compared to the same month last year. South Korea showed a decline of -13.3% from July 2008, producing 4.0 mmt of crude steel in July 2009.
In the EU, Germany’s crude steel production was 2.7 mmt in July 2009, a decrease of -28.8% from July 2008. The UK produced 0.8 mmt in July 2009, down by -30.6% from July 2008.
The US produced 5.0 mmt of crude steel in July 2009, -41.6% lower than July 2008. Brazil produced 2.5 mmt of crude steel in July 2009, a decrease of -22.8% compared to the same month last year.

Russia’s crude steel production for July 2009 was 5.0 mmt, a decrease of -18.4% from July 2008. Ukraine produced 2.7 mmt of crude steel in July 2009, -27.7% lower than July 2008.
Turkey produced 2.3 mmt of crude steel in July 2009, -8.5% down from July 2008. Iran produced 0.9 mmt of crude steel in July 2009, 15.1% more than in July 2008.
In July, almost all the major steel-producing countries – including China, Japan, Germany, the US, Brazil, Turkey, Russia and Ukraine – have shown their highest monthly figures so far this year.Total crude steel production in the 66 reporting countries for the first seven months of 2009 was 653 mmt, a -19.9% decrease over the same period of 2008.
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CIS bar/rod export markets are quiet as holidays loom

CIS bar/rod export markets are quiet as holidays loom
Wednesday, 15 July 2009


CIS export pricesApril - August 2009, FOB $/t
Rebar April 09 350-425
May 09 380-430
Jun 09 385-440
Jul 09 400-450
Aug 09 400-440

Wire Rod April 09 350-400
May 09 370-410
Jun 09 390-430
Jul 09 400-440
Aug 09 400-430


* SBB ForecastHaving livened up a little in late June/early July, CIS long product export prices are "drifting again", market sources tell Steel Business Briefing. Demand also appears to be dwindling, as quiet August is approaching with Ramadan in the Middle East and North Africa, and summer holidays in Europe.With Russia still not offering any long products for export, Black Sea rebar and rod market are being taken by Turkey and Ukraine. Byelorussia is also reported to be selling, mainly to North Africa this month, and Moldova is said to be exploring possibilities, having restarted production after three months' break, sources say.Although demand is described as waning, the opportunities after August may be better than anticipated, one producer says. Egypt is promising to regain strength, along with the Gulf region, North Africa and the rest of the Middle East. For wire rod, India, Korea and South-East Asia are already indicating their interest in importing from the CIS. "Too much money was ploughed into the economy in the H1 this year," one market observer explains. "These funds need to work – and the banks be bound to start crediting the construction industry, which will give an impetus for long products market growth," she says. She warns, along with others, that unrestrained production increases threaten to ruin the recovery.Prices are in the region of $400-440/tonne fob Black/Baltic Sea, depending on the origins and the destination. The sentiment that although it is slow now and will be for the next month or two, scrap prices are "unrelenting" and rebar and wire rod markets are likely to start picking up in the Autumn.

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( www.steelbb.com )

N. European coil prices set to rise slowly

Friday, 10 July 2009

The third quarter €20-30/t price increases being sought by northern Europe's strip mills have so far only had a minimal effect on the market. Distributors have mixed feelings as to whether the market is yet able to absorb them. However for HRC, they believe an increase to above €400/tonne is now possible. CRC is said by some to be in the range €420-440/t, or slightly more.“I think that €20/t more will be accepted, but producers should not think that €30/t or €40/t will come through in the third quarter," says the head of an independent German service centre. But this might be possible "if you take the third and fourth together,” he adds.He confirms his company has felt "an upswing of activity compared with some weeks ago." But "we’re not back to full-time activity," he says, noting that the service centre is now operating two shifts.“With our supplier, we won’t have to pay an increase in July, but we were asked, and are prepared to do so in August,” a French stockist comments. Nevertheless, one local producer is positive that rising demand will allow the rises to go through. “We are more than fully booked in Q3, and lead times are spilling over from delivery in September into October now,” a sales manager says. “The last orders we had for HRC were at €370-380/t, and we are expecting some €30/t more for upcoming orders, for delivery in October, so I will ask for a price that starts with a four,” he adds.
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info from www.steelbb.com

HR coil prices continue upward trend, says The Steel Index

HR coil prices continue upward trend, says The Steel Index

Tuesday, 07 July 2009

The latest reference prices from The Steel Index show that there was a strong movement upwards in HR coil prices in Europe since last week, and US HR coil prices consolidated after last week’s rise.
Turkish domestic prices also increased above last week’s price levels, as did Chinese export prices.
The HRC ex-works reference price in northern Europe rose by €20/tonne since last week, and is now at €398/tonne ($557/t). Both the CRC and HDG prices are broadly unchanged since last week. Average lead-times for all coils are similar to last week and are all around 7 weeks.In southern Europe, HRC increased by €16/tonne. CRC and HDG rose by similar amounts and CR coil ex-works reference price is €435/tonne ($609/t).
All coil deliveries are more than a week shorter than last week, with HRC average delivery time at 4.8 weeks.
The US HRC reference price FOB Midwest mill is now at $436/short ton ($481/tonne), while CRC rose by $11/short ton from the previous week’s levels. The average delivery lead-time for HDG coils is longer than last week at 7.3 weeks.Domestic Turkish CRC and HRC prices, ex-works, are both higher than last week, with HRC now up by $19/tonne to $545/tonne. For Chinese coil exports to Europe and North America, HR coil export prices moved upwards, with the reference price, FOB stowed China port, now at $505/tonne.

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Rebars prices dropping!!!

Rebar prices dropping, plate stable: The Steel Index

Thursday, 02 July 2009

The latest reference prices released by The Steel Index this week show that northern and southern European rebar prices have fallen since last week. The northern European plate price rose compared to a week ago, while the southern European plate price is essentially unchanged, as is the US plate reference price.The rebar ex-mill reference price in northern Europe is €14/tonne lower than last week’s levels, and the average lead-time is just longer at 3.8 weeks. The southern European rebar ex-mill reference price is also lower at €328/tonne ($461/t), and the average delivery time is shorter at 2.3 weeks. In southern Europe the plate ex-mill reference price is just lower than last week at €408/tonne ($574/tonne). The average delivery time is almost unchanged at 5.2 weeks. The plate ex-mill reference price in northern Europe is €14/tonne higher than last week. Average deliveries are unchanged compared to the previous week at 5 weeks.The US plate FOB Midwest mill reference price is $1/short ton lower than last week at $578/short ton ($637/tonne). The average US plate delivery time is almost a week shorter than last week at 3.7 weeks.
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World Steel in Figures 2009

Brussels – The World Steel Association (worldsteel) has published the 2009 edition of World Steel in Figures.

World Steel in Figures provides essential facts and statistics about the global steel industry. The book contains comprehensive information on crude steel production, apparent steel use, trade, scrap, iron, and pig iron.

World Steel in Figures lists the top steel-producing countries and companies around the world.

In 2008 the five major steel producing countries were:
China 500.5 mmt
Japan 118.7 mmt
United States 91.4 mmt
Russia 68.5 mmt
India 55.2 mmt

Total world production was 1,326.5 mmt in 2008, down from 1,351.3 mmt in 2007.

The largest five steel-producing companies in 2008 were:
ArcelorMittal 101.6 mmt
Nippon Steel 37.5 mmt
Baosteel Group 35.4 mmt
Hebei Steel Group 33.3 mmt
JFE 32.4 mmt
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Several engineering steel scrap surcharges fall in July
Monday, 29 June 2009Most scrap surcharges for engineering steels in northern Europe have been lowered for July. Product demand continues to be weak.In Germany, engineering steel producers Saarstahl and Georgsmarienhütte will both apply scrap surcharges of €66/tonne in July, €20/t lower than in June. Sweden’s Ovako, which last month raised its surcharge by SEK 352/t (€33/t), is reducing its surcharge by SEK 170/t to SEK 917/t for July.Italy’s ABS is keeping its surcharge in July flat at €117/t for the third consecutive month. In the UK, Corus Engineering Steels (CES) will increase its July surcharge by £7/t to £122/t (€143/t).A UK-based trader describes demand for engineering steels in the UK and mainland Europe as unchanged: “it is still very poor,” he stresses. Corus last week announced 800 job losses at its engineering steels division, describing a recovery as “a long way off".
(info from www.steelbb.com )
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worldsteel launches Climate Action Recognition Programme23 Jun 2009

The World Steel Association (worldsteel) announced today the launch of its Climate Action recognition programme. Full details are available on a new dedicated website, the climate change microsite, also launched today on worldsteel.org. These two initiatives are important supporting elements which underscore the steel industry’s commitment and effort to reduce its CO2 emissions.
The worldsteel Climate Action recognition programme recognises steel producers who have fulfilled their commitment to participate in the worldsteel CO2 emissions data collection programme. Two-thirds of the worldsteel membership took part in the first round of data collection which ended earlier this year. This was a strong start and has built confidence in all the technical aspects of the project. The steel industry has agreed a common methodology which measures CO2 per tonne and will be used by all companies for all processes. worldsteel has now started to collect 2008 data, providing technical support and encouragement to members who were not geared up to respond last year.
The CO2 emissions data collection programme was launched in April 2008 and is at the core of the global steel sectoral approach advocated by the world steel industry. The programme measures the current level of emissions from the production of steel worldwide. It will enable individual steel plants to position themselves against both average and best performance and to identify scope for improvement.
Climate Action is open to all steel producers, members and non-members of worldsteel alike. Recognition can be obtained at a corporate level or at a site level as long as CO2 emissions data for more than 90% of the crude steel production of the company or the site is submitted. The recognition is valid for two years.
worldsteel also launched its climate change microsite at worldsteel.org/climatechange.
Ian Christmas, Director General of worldsteel said, "Climate change is the biggest issue for the steel industry in the 21st century. The collection and measurement of CO2 data is a very important step for steel companies to see where they stand at the moment and also to identify future actions to improve performance. The programme has already received high level of engagement from the steel producing companies worldwide and this recognition will encourage more steel producers to join the initiative".
( info from www.worldsteel.org )
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May 2009 Crude Steel Production19 Jun 2009
Brussels – World crude steel production for the 66 countries reporting to the World Steel Association (worldsteel) was 95.6 million metric tons (mmt) in May. This is 21% lower than in May 2008.
China’s crude steel production for May 2009 was 46.5 mmt, 0.6% higher than May 2008. Japan produced 6.5 mmt of crude steel in May 2009, down by -38.5% compared to the same month last year. South Korea showed a decrease of -11.8% from May 2008, producing 4.2 mmt of crude steel in May 2009.
In the EU, Germany’s crude steel was 2.2 mmt in May 2009, a decrease of -47.8% from May 2008. Italy produced 1.7 mmt in May 2009, down by -41.6% from 2008. Spain produced 1.2 mmt of crude steel in May 2009, - 41.3% less than the same month last year. France showed a decrease of -41.3% from May 2008, producing 1.0 mmt in May 2009.
The US produced 4.3 mmt of crude steel in May 2009, a decrease of -50.6% compared to the same month last year. Brazil produced 1.9 mmt of crude steel in May 2009, -36.3% lower than May 2008.
Russia’s crude steel production for May 2009 was 4.7 mmt, a decrease of -31.2 from May 2008. Ukraine produced 2.4 mmt of crude steel in May 2009, -40% lower than May 2008.
Turkey produced 2.1 mmt of crude steel in May 2009, -16.1% down from May 2008.
Iran produced 0.9 mmt crude steel in May 2009, 11.6% more than in May 2008.
World crude steel production for the first five months of 2009 was 449 mmt, a -22.4% decrease over the same period of 2008. Asia produced 294 mmt of crude steel, a decline of -8.8% over the first five months of 2008. The EU produced 50.7 mmt of steel from January to May 2009, down by -44.4% compared to the same months of 2008. North America showed a -49.3% decline, producing 29 mmt during the first five months of 2009.
China produced 217।2 mmt of crude steel for the first five months of 2009, a slight increase of 0.4 % and Iran showed an increase of 12.6%, producing 4.7 mmt of crude steel for the first five months of 2009. All the other major steel producing countries showed a decrease for the first five months of 2009.

( www.worldsteel.org )

Steel industry renews call for review05 Jun 2009
Brussels – The World Steel Association (worldsteel) has repeated its concerns issued in February 2008 following today’s announcement of a possible Rio Tinto/BHP Billiton joint venture (JV) of their Western Australia iron ore interests. This is matched with a formal request that all relevant competition authorities should very carefully review this proposed alliance.
Speaking on behalf of steel producers worldwide, worldsteel Director General Ian Christmas said: "The announcement of this possible JV does nothing to allay the far greater competition issues that we were and are still concerned about. We are again calling on competition authorities to seriously examine the obvious implications for future pricing regimes and the competitive environment for iron ore. At present we cannot see how this JV could be in the public interest and thus it should not be allowed to proceed."
Concluding, Ian Christmas said: "As we said in our statements last year, worldsteel supports free and fair trade in steel। Competition between steel companies promotes innovation and efficiency. It promotes the growth in steel use and serves steel’s customers and society as a whole. worldsteel has also supported the consolidation of steel businesses but not to the extent of endangering competition. Even the largest steel company in the world today accounts for less than 15% of total world steel production. We stand ready to provide access to our data to help competition authorities review the impact of this new JV proposal."

( इन्फो फ्रॉम व्व्व.वोर्ल्द्स्तील.कॉम )
( ह्त्त्प://हेक्टोर्हेक.जिम्दो.कॉम )

EU Steel Market: demand almost halved in first half 2009
Anne Vander Straeten -->
23/04/2009 3:21 pm
Economic and Steel Market Outlook 2009-2010 - The April '09 Report from EUROFER's Economic Committee
While data of the first quarter of 2009 confirm that the economic downturn in the EU is gathering pace, it is clear that particularly EU industry is hit hard by falling exports and tight credit supply. Domestic and international export demand for manufactured goods has continued to fall sharply. Companies are struggling to survive under extremely difficult business conditions, cutting investment and reducing operational stocks to the bare minimum as long as the slump in confidence and tight credit availability continues. Consequently, the outlook for the steel using industries in 2009-2010 is very grim: all sectors will be seeing strongly reduced output levels, particularly in the 1st half of this year.
The impact on the EU steel market is dramatic. Strongly reduced activity levels in the steel using industries translate into much lower volumes of steel needed for direct production processes. While the drop in real consumption is of utmost concern, its impact is multiplied on the steel producers in the EU by the inventory cycle and translates into a drop in activity of 40% or more. Lower end-user activity implies the need for lower inventories throughout the steel value chain. Moreover, current stocks at end-users, steel service centres and stockholders are assessed as being still much too high compared to the weak activity levels. This means that a further significant inventory reduction is needed before the supply-demand situation can come closer to a balance. Consequently, orders intakes at EU steel mills are expected to be at unprecedented low levels for the time being. Meanwhile, import pressure in the EU has remained relatively high. On balance, the latest forecasts show apparent steel consumption falling by 40-45% year-on-year in the 1st half of this year, and by almost 30% in the whole of 2009.
The outlook for 2010 remains depressed: real steel consumption will remain at a low level, while apparent consumption could see some growth, owing to the fading influence of the stock cycle.
( Info from www.eurofer.org )
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Dear people;

Acutally the economic situation is hardest I have ever seen, and now we have to look for solutions, ideas, we must be creatives, it's for this I invited everyone participate in proposals and help us all. Because if we wait for the politicians and their solutions ....

Now I'm going to do my presentation:

Welcome to Hector Gallego Abellan steel products supplier.

Hector Gallego Abellan is an experienced steel products supplier.

The range of his product line, good quality, and competitive prices offers a wide range of having business possibilities across Spain and as well in the international market.

Hi experience in the market keeps long-term business relations with the largest-scale steel factories and producers in Spain.

Providing not only the superior steel products at competitive prices, but also a wide range of long-term consultation and help as well trying the best to reduce costs and improve quality for you.

Guarantying quality and on time delivery of shipments and very competitive prices.Main products:

*Reinforcing bars and coil bars from spanish producerDiameters: 8-10-12-14-16-20-25-32
Norms:AENOR, CARES, AFCAB
For more info: http://hectorhec.jimdo.com/bars/

*Beams from different producers with European standardsIPE, UPN, HEB, HEA
For more info: http://hectorhec.jimdo.com/beams/

*Steel tube ( round, squares, rectangular )
For more info: http://hectorhec.jimdo.com/steel-tubes/

*Rails, used rails and rail accessoriesI am providing the complete specifications, optimal quality, most competitive prices and best services!
For more info: http://hectorhec.jimdo.com/rails/

Warmly welcome customers to contact and to request any more information!

We have to say like Obama: YES, WE CAN!!!

Thank you!!!