Posted on 02/08/2017 in category Stainless
BIR World Mirror on Stainless Steel & Special Alloys - Issue July/August 2017
Tougher second half anticipated to 2017
Europe’s stainless steel industry is currently in its summer period of lower activity owing to maintenance breaks.
The first half of 2017 was successful both in terms of total liquid output as well as financial results. For the recycling industry, however, it was a challenging six months because of significant price volatility, particularly with the FeCr/Cr valuation.
The second half of 2017 is expected to be more difficult: first of all, a trend towards lower demand for stainless began in May, mainly from traders and stockists. End demand is expected to remain healthy; nevertheless, the recent scandals surrounding diesel engines in the car sector will have a significant impact on stainless demand sooner or later as, for example, exhaust systems consume attractive volumes of stainless.
Regarding stainless scrap values (...)
Joost van Kleef (Oryx Stainless B.V.),
Chairman of the BIR Stainless Steel & Special Alloys Committee