GENERAL NEWS
Short-range 2022 / 2023 outlook for steel
The World Steel Association ( worldsteel ) released an update of its Short-Range Outlook ( SRO ) for 2022 and 2023 at the end of October 2022 . It forecasted that steel demand will contract by 2.3 % in 2022 to reach 1,796.7 Mt after increasing by 2.8 % in 2021 .
“ In 2023 , steel demand will see a recovery of 1.0 % to reach 1,814.7 Mt . The current forecast represents a downward revision over the earlier forecast , reflecting the repercussion of persistently high inflation and rising interest rates globally . High inflation , monetary tightening and China ’ s slowdown contributed to a difficult 2022 , but infrastructure demand is expected to lift 2023 steel demand slightly ,”
Commenting on the outlook , Máximo Vedoya , CEO of Ternium and Chairman of the worldsteel Economics Committee , said : “ The global economy is affected by persisting inflation ; U . S . monetary tightening ; China ’ s economic deceleration and the consequences of Russia ’ s invasion of Ukraine .
“ High energy prices , rising interest rates
Steel coils in storage .
and falling confidence have led to a slowing in steel-using sectors ’ activities . As a result , our current forecast for global steel demand growth has been revised down compared to the previous one . The prospect for 2023 depends on the impact of tightening monetary policies and central banks ’ ability to anchor inflation expectations . In particular , the EU outlook is subject to further downside risk due to the high inflation and the energy crisis that have been exacerbated by the Russia-Ukraine war ,” he added .
Steel demand in 2023 was expected to remain flat under the assumption that small new stimulus measures are to be introduced and lockdown measures would be largely removed in the later part of 2022 . The slowing global economy poses further downside risk for China .
Steel demand in the EU was expected to contract by 3.5 % in 2022 and expected to continue to contract in 2023 , with a significant downside risk in case of harsh winter weather or further disruptions to energy supplies .
“ In the ASEAN region , steel demand saw a slow start of recovery from the pandemic , with the recovery of construction lagging . However , in 2022 , the region ’ s steel demand has been showing strong growth as governments are pushing for infrastructure projects . Particularly strong growth in steel demand is foreseen in Malaysia and the Philippines ,” added the association .
The World Steel Association ( worldsteel ) has members in every major steel-producing country . It represents steel producers , national and regional steel industry associations , and steel research institutes . Members represent around 85 % of global steel production . n
Don ’ t miss LAMIERA 2023
LAMIERA , the international exhibition dedicated to sheet-metal forming and cutting machines and related technologies , is scheduled to take place at fieramilano Rho in Milan ( Italy ) from 10-13 May 2023 .
Promoted by UCIMU-SISTEMI PER PRODURRE ( the Italian machine tools , robots and automation systems manufacturers ’ association ) and organised by CEU-CENTRO ESPOSIZIONI UCIMU , LAMIERA will again be held in odd-numbered years .
“ After an extremely positive 2021 and in the first six months of 2022 , the Italian industry sector confirmed its growth trend , registering double-digit increases in the international trade data for [ sales ] of sheet-metal forming and cutting machines ,” confirmed UCIMU .
“ Supported by Italian government incentives for Industry 4.0 , in effect for the whole of 2023 and beyond ,” highlighted Alfredo Mariotti , general manager of UCIMU-SISTEMI
PER PRODURRE , “ domestic demand will certainly reward the exhibitors participating in LAMIERA .”
LAMIERA showcases , amongst others , machines , systems and equipment for sheet-metal processing and cutting ; tubes ; sections ; metal structural work ; presses ; dies and moulds ; welding ; surface treatments and finishing ; parts ; components ; tooling ; fastener materials and technical / industrial subcontracting .
The exhibition will also focus on six technological themes that have an increasingly crucial impact on the sector today .
■ FABBRICAFUTURA / FACTORY OF THE FUTURE is dedicated to software and technologies for connectivity ; data management ; automation ; robotics and digital systems applied to sheet-metal processing .
■ SALDATECH offers an overview of the wide and diversified world of welding , one of the most important sheet-metal joining technologies .
■ FASTENER INDUSTRY presents screws , bolts , fastening and clamping systems .
■ WORLD OF HEAT AND SURFACE TREATMENTS hosts machines , systems , accessories and consumables centred on pre- and post-production treatments for ferrous and non-ferrous materials .
■ METROLOGY & TESTING focuses on testing , measurement and quality-control systems and machines .
■ BLECH ITALY SERVICE will showcase technical subcontracting and services for the sector .
A full programme of in-depth cultural , thematic meetings will also be arranged by the show organisers and exhibitors . The meetings will be hosted at LAMIALAMIERA , an arena set up in one of the exhibition halls to facilitate free participation by operators .
The trade show will take place in partial conjunction with ‘ Made in Steel ’, the exhibition dedicated to the production chain of steel , which will be held in the halls next to those occupied by LAMIERA . This will enable visitors to attend two separate , but complementary , events on one business trip . n