Global Steelmaking Capacity Outlook

Steelmakers prospects to 2015 are mixed, given: consolidations in most parts of the old industrial world; a resurgence of steelmaking capacity addition in the Far East (particularly India), in Latin America (Brazil) and in the Middle East; a revitalization of the Russian steel industry and continued massive expansion in China.  One factor stimulating new capacity is the technological revolution which is sweeping the industry. 

What’s the outlook?  WSD’s Core Report C "Global Steelmaking Capacity Outlook," seeks to provide vital insights into questions that are bedeviling those in or involved with the industry.  It uses WSD’s special techniques to provide new perspectives into the industry’s supply/demand situation and how the industry may be configured in 2010. 

Some of the questions that are answered include:  Has the long-term steel demand outlook changed?  How much new steelmaking capacity may be built?  How have new technologies stimulated capital investment?  The steelmakers' profitability has funded massive capital spending programs; has it been overdone?  Where are the five best places in the world to build a new steel plant?

As a supply-side reference tool, this report contains the latest version of WSD’s comprehensive capacity surveys -- conducted regularly since 1975.  Data is analyzed from a variety of perspectives including:

• Capacity figures for more than 105 countries, 830 producers and 1,050 plants from 2002 to 2010.  The data are provided for blast furnaces, steelmaking furnaces (BOF, OH and EAF), continuous casters and steel scrap substitute facilities.  Low and high forecasts to 2010 are given for many plants.

• WSD’s special regional analyses of the relationship between gross and effective capacity.

• Surplus capacity by region.  Expected shutdowns and/or capacity that’s vulnerable to closure.

This report also look at the demand side of the equation.  Included is the outlook for steel demand and the factors that drive it.  Information includes: 

• Apparent steel consumption by region since 1995, with new forecasts for 2010.

• Production data by region since 1960, with forecasts to 2010.

• Monthly BOF and EAF production data by region since 1995.

• Related historic steel pricing and capital spending data.

The Global Steelmaking report is a must for steelmakers, sellers, buyers, and suppliers to the industry—anyone concerned with steel’s supply/demand dynamics.  Core Report C sells for $3,000 to non-subscribers, or is included in an annual subscription to the World Steel Dynamics service.