Forecasters predict stable demand for steel in 2012
The steel industry is expecting more growth in 2012
The World Steel Association is predicting a growth in the global demand for steel in 2012 - this is expected to be lower than seen in the last few years though at 5.4%.
The association reports that despite this growth, the last quarter of 2011 was characterised by lower demand for steel in Europe and China, along with a reduction in inventory levels.
The 16th Handelsblatt Annual Conference, Steel Market 2012, will take place in Düsseldorf on the 6-7 March and aims to offer an insight into varying trends in the steel industry in Europe, Russia, India and Japan.
"Volatile and long-term increases in raw material and energy prices, liquidity, CO2 regulations and sustainability are the main topics - alongside the debt crisis - that are already influencing global competition in many different ways,” said Erwin Bronk, from PricewaterhouseCoopers AG.
He added: “The challenges to be overcome by the steel industry are immense and do not offer opportunities for everybody.”
Among these challenges are developments in raw material prices and climate and energy policies, which are affecting the sector globally.
The conference also seeks to inform steel companies about the competitive advantages available in the area of sustainability.
More information on the conference is available from: http://www.handelsblatt-stahlmarkt.de/
Images for this article - click to enlarge
Unless otherwise stated, all images copyright © Mercator Media 2012. This does not exclude the owner's assertion of copyright over the material.
