WESTERN WORLD STAINLESS PRODUCTION TO BE 3 PERCENT LOWER THIS YEAR

摘要

Global stainless crude steel production is expected to reach 25 million tonnes this year and forecast at 26 million tonnes in 2006. Expansion in 2005 is expected only in China and India. Decreases are anticipated in most industrialised nations. Production is predicted to decline in the European Union by 450,000 tonnes this year as the mills cut back output in an effort to prop up prices. A modest rise to 8.65 million tonnes is forecast for 2006 as inventories reduce and consumption picks up once again.