Global SS output rises 6.5 percent, set to increase 14 percent in 2006

摘要

Global stainless steel production should rise by 14.3 per cent in 2006, according to the the Brussels-based International Stainless Steel Forum (ISSF). It had ' raised its estimate after strong first half output figures , it said in a a statement Its global production forecast for 2006 stood at 27.8 m.t of stainless crude steel, with all regions showing a significant increase in stainless steel melting. It had previously forecast growth of 8.6 percent this year. It added that the long-term average growth trend of six per cent should be achieved in the future, assuming that raw materials costs returned to historical levels. The high volatility of raw material prices would be a limiting factor for sustainable future growth, it said. High absolute demand, along with the need for suppliers to refill depleted stocks, led to a 6.5 percent increase in production in the first six months of 2006.