International Steel Market Roundup-July 2004

摘要

Although US mill transaction prices have moved up once again, the rate of growth is slowing. There is much more foreign steel to choose from now and values have reduced. This is good news for distributors who are still at the bottom of the domestic mills' lists when it comes to receiving tonnage. Supply is as tight as ever. Manufacturing industry activity has improved and therefore, steel demand is on the increase. Service centre shipments are reported to be up over 20 percent, year on year. In Canada, both the construction and auto industries are performing well. Availability is still restricted and prices continue on an upward path. Producers are bullish for period three. Demand from Chinese consumers has slowed but stocks are gradually being reduced at end users and distributors. Top domestic producer, Bao Steel, announced on May 20 that it would keep prices of most steel products unchanged for third quarter deliveries. We have monitored further decreases since last month. Overseas sales and re-exports are growing.