The global steel market at the end of 2019 from the perspective of IREPAS

Reduction of the domain of steel production in Europe and the U.S. for extended periods has a positive impact on the rest of the steel industry, the report said IREPAS.

Global long products market, as expected, is gaining momentum due to the reduction of production. However, a significant improvement from the point of view of the profits of steel producers have not been forthcoming.

Current sale price in Europe, the middle East, North America and South America continues to provide insufficient margins for manufacturers. Today, the main challenge for steel producers is the demand, as consumers are reluctant to increase their stocks because of the uncertainty in the future development of the situation on the world market.

One of the main reasons for recent price increases is the rising price of scrap, a market which cannot be called healthy if it is not backed by demand for the products. Availability in the supply chain decreased as production increased, and most regions have been positively surprised by the demand for scrap.

Recovery in November along with the decline in the production in blast furnaces in the background of depression on the flat steel market has increased the demand for electric arc furnaces based on scrap and thus also increased the demand for ferrous scrap.

the Uncertainty may increase

Elections in the UK in December can bring even greater uncertainty, depending on the result, while a simple tweet can change the situation in an instant.

inventory Level in the EU below the normal, and buyers are waiting for greater clarity, again to restock.

the Lack of North Africa as market forces EU manufacturers to seek other points of sale. In consequence, the EU is becoming very competitive.

on the other hand, the lack of imports on the EU market should give the plants the EU the opportunity to adjust their prices in accordance with rising prices for scrap. Replenishment could start in January and February, if scrap prices remain at high level.

China remains a force to be reckoned with, especially in Asia

At present, China is the major global factor affecting the price of iron ore, coke, HBI, basic pig iron, slab and billet. China may still not be the main influences on the markets of hot rolled steel sheets in coils, plates, reinforcing rods and katenko outside of Asia, but it certainly dominates the Asian market. The rest of the world will have to deal with it at the current market.

Internal focus of China and the import of semi-finished products create opportunities

Thanks to the good consumption of steel in China, Chinese suppliers are not interested in increasing exports. As prices Chinese suppliers are growing due to good demand in their domestic market, other exporters see opportunity to seize power. Moreover, Chinese purchases of semi-finished products due to the limitation of the winter season on the carbon emissions added in a couple of areas around China.

Some positive signs

Reduction of inventory and reduction of work in progress in the United States lead to higher transaction prices, despite political instability and unclear prospects. Warm winter conditions along with low interest rates and liquidity in the global market are among the other positive signs for the market.

Level of competition is still very high

the Level of competition in the market is still very high. There is tough competition for volumes in the region. At present, an adequate volume is only in China. Of course, it is necessary to increase the capacity to balance supply with demand and increase margins in the market.

Inventory scrap depleted in many regions and in need of replenishment

with regard to ferrous scrap, the market seems to be catching up, as stocks in many areas are depleted and need replenishment.

the market Outlook will remain relatively stable in the first quarter of the new year

Market is generally stable in the last quarter of the year, and the forecast for the first quarter of the new year is also relatively stable, although conditions still remain challenging. With regard to scrap, the winter market will be busy enough.