The international stainless steel market volatility

International steel association has released figures showing that 2012 63 major steel-producing countries of the world’s crude steel output of 1.55 billion tons, more than 2011 rose only 1.2%, this is largely due to China’s 3.1% growth. In 2013 in the world are expected to iron and steel industry will be modest recovery, driven by growth in steel production in China, 3.5% of the world steel production will be moderate growth of 2.9%. In 2003 ~ 2007, the world steel output more than 6% growth every year. In addition, in 2013 the average price of steel will be edged up 2.3%, conform to “the trend of rising prices weak” since 2009.

By contrast, in 2003 ~ 2003, world steel prices rose more than 20% each year on average. Rapid rise in steel prices during this period, not only by Chinese consumption soaring stimulation, also by the stimulation of key raw materials of iron ore prices have risen sharply. Soaring steel prices from the modern iron and steel industry since records began in 1900 there have been only a few time. Such as steel prices in 1914 ~ 1918 and 1939 ~ 1945, two world war ii a sharp rise, is driven by the post-war reconstruction.

In addition, before the second world war, increased arms steel have also led to steel prices rose sharply. In addition is significantly affected by the two world wars of the 20th century, steel price rise period, there are two: one is “short prosperity” period of around 1900, was mainly influenced by the European and the surge of U.S. industrial output short drive; Second, in the mid – 1970 – s, the Middle East upheaval caused higher energy costs, promote a lot of commodity prices. Most of the time since 1900, world steel prices keep rising at an average of 5% a year growth.

In 2003 ~ 2007, the world steel industry achieved rapid growth. Now, more and more like a stainless steel tube growth. British steel experts JonathanAylen Manchester business school (Jonathan Allen), said in 2003 ~ 2007 a surge in demand situation is very difficult to reappear in a recent period of time.

The world steel industry now appears to be returned to normal, the weak growth each year, this is the basic trend over the past century. Media said that when the steel output and consumption of low growth become the norm, and price inflation trend is not obvious when compared with 10 years before, means that the world steel industry into another era.

Stainless steel production has its own features, such as its wide operating temperature range, the condition of low temperature to – 196 ℃, high temperature can reach 500 ℃ above; Operating pressure with external pressure, vacuum, atmospheric pressure, medium-pressure and high-pressure and ultrahigh pressure (greater than 100 mpa); In addition, the operating environment medium complex, such as corrosion resistance, wear resistance, inflammable, explosive, toxic and other solid, gaseous, liquid, and a variety of mixed medium of chloride, sulfide and other salts.