Monthly Archives: May 2010

Industrial, Industrial Goods, Industrial Supplies, Materials, Metals, Steel

Balli Steel Reports BRIC Countries Driving Global Steel Market

Balli Steel, one of the world’s largest privately owned independent commodity traders, has reported that the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China) are the driving force in the global steel market, thriving whilst more established markets and newer emerging economies struggle.

Balli Steel’s analysis of the World Steel Association’s crude steel production statistics demonstrates that the BRIC countries accounted for 58% of global steel production in 2009, with their market share more than doubling over a decade from 28% in 1999. In contrast, the established major economies of the USA and Japan saw their crude steel production levels decline by 40% and 7% respectively over the same ten year period.

Balli Steel highlighted that China is by far the single largest producer in the world, accounting for approximately 47% of global production in 2009, increasing from only 16% in 1999. However, this is not to underestimate the contribution of the other BRIC nations with Russia and India both contributing 5% each to global production and Brazil contributing 2%.

Balli Steel believes that this explosion in production has been triggered by significant industrialisation and economic growth in each of these countries. As one of the less mature BRIC economies, currently undertaking extensive infrastructure projects, India is still a net importer of steel, whilst the more developed Chinese and Russian economies are now net exporters. Brazil’s balance of steel trading is approximately equal.

Whilst the BRIC countries continue to grow, each overshadows its geographical neighbours. Struggling economies like Vietnam, South Korea and Thailand do not have the critical mass or capital required for significant internal investment projects which generate the need for raw materials and other commodities.

Via EPR Network
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Industrial, Industrial Goods, Industrial Supplies, Materials, Metals, Steel

Balli Steel Reports Global Steel Market Experiencing Sharp Rises Since Chinese New Year

Balli Steel, one of the world’s largest privately owned independent commodity traders, highlights that steel markets across the globe have experienced sharp price rises since mid- February 2010. The first six weeks of the year had seen a flat market with the majority of commentators believing that prices would most likely fall back to November 2009 levels, however conversely, prices started to rise sharply coinciding with Chinese New Year (14th February).

Balli Steel reports that the price has largely been driven upwards by restrictions in the availability of raw materials and by steel mills maintaining a tighter control over supply. Balli Steel anticipates that prices are likely to continue to rise in the short term, however, there is the possibility that the market may start to show signs of fatigue in the third quarter, especially if the steel mills fail to retain supply restrictions.

Balli Steel reports that prices have risen by approximately US $200 per tonne since the start of the year regardless of their base level, equating to increases of approximately 35-40%.

Nasser Alaghband, CEO of Balli Steel commented: “Contrary to the views of most commentators at the beginning of the year, we have seen a strong rally in steel prices over the past six weeks, albeit based on relatively thin trading volumes. We anticipate that prices are likely to grow more conservatively over the rest of the year, although prices may come under pressure in the third and fourth quarters if steel mills decide to increase production.”

Although steel prices have risen across the board, there remain significant regional market variations. The Chinese market remains key, accounting for significant global demand and over 50% of worldwide production, however despite surpluses, China has not been an aggressive exporter. Elsewhere in the Asian market, demand from India has also remained very strong with significant imports made in the first quarter of 2010.

Via EPR Network
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