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MEPS NORTH AMERICAN CARBON STEEL PRICE FORECAST FOR FEBRUARY 2005
10 March 2005 - MEPS (International)
| Flat product prices had been in decline for five consecutive months. With
ore and coke suppliers demanding substantial price hikes in latest
settlements, the mills will make every effort to recover some of the extra
costs. The price decrease is expected to be halted soon and put into
reverse. |
Flat product prices had been in decline for five consecutive months. With
ore and coke suppliers demanding substantial price hikes in latest
settlements, the mills will make every effort to recover some of the extra
costs. The price decrease is expected to be halted soon and put into
reverse. The market is likely to remain weak and higher prices could stifle
investment in new steel consuming projects - thus heightening the developing
oversupply situation. The poor demand picture is likely to lead to quite
modest steel price increases in the short term for strip mill products.
However, if customers start to place orders ahead of impending escalating
selling values, the steel price hikes could be much sharper. We now believe that price deterioration could now set in during the latter
part of the Summer. Prices for the light long products have stabilised. We expect scrap costs to
rise. Consequently, we have made small upward revisions to our forecasts to
accommodate this factor. However, we believe that excessive demands by the
mills on price will lead to postponement of building projects - thus
decreasing requirements for steel. Prices for Medium Sections and Beams have been in decline in recent months.
With raw material cost increases, the mills are likely to push up prices in
the first half of the year. This may not be sustainable as demand falls
away. Source: MEPS - STEEL PRICES ON-LINE (regional steel price tables &
forecasts)
http://www.meps.co.uk
About: MEPS (International)
MEPS (International) LTD is a leading consultancy company operating in the steel sector worldwide. The organisation was formed in 1979. Over the years we have undertaken a wide range of studies covering all aspects of the global steel scene. Our independence is the cornerstone of the business.The steel industry is the nucleus of our business. From the core activity we provide a range of services and advice to clients through our multi-disciplinary team of consultants. The areas in which our organisation has built up considerable expertise are highlighted below: Steel Market Prices
Steel Market Trends
Steel Market Distribution
Steel Manufacturing Costs
Technological Trends in Manufacture
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