Posted on 18/05/2015 in category Stainless
BIR World Mirror on Stainless Steel & Special Alloys
Challenging times for stainless steel processors
Stainless steel production levels did not meet expectations in the first quarter of 2015: crude steel output was approximately 7% lower than in the same period of 2014. Declining nickel prices and a deteriorating economic outlook for several core markets have been supporting this trend.
Stainless steel scrap availability suffered as a result of the low nickel price levels while declining ferrous, chrome and, in particular, molybdenum prices shocked the recycling industry. Nevertheless, stainless scrap usage ratios remain high thanks to a relative price increase mainly around the end of the quarter.
Competition for stainless scrap remains high; if one day China were to start looking again at this commodity, current availability would quickly result in a structural undersupply.
Joost van Kleef
KMR Stainless B.V.
Chairman of the BIR Stainless Steel & Special Alloys Committee