EU price volatility fading, end-use activity uncertain: EUROMETAL conference

The European steel sector has seen a surprisingly fast recovery in activity over recent months, after having been able to control the Covid-19 pandemic. The new economic reality, however, requires new solutions from both producers and the distributors’ chain.

Steel prices will see certain fluctuations in the following months, but the cycle of volatility is seen coming to an end, Kallanish heard during Thursday’s EUROMETAL Iberia Steel Net Forum in Lisbon.

“We have learned from the pandemic. Now we have to be careful while evaluating prices and demand following recent movements in China,” EUROMETAL president Fernando Espada said at the event. “China is taking drastic decisions, which in turn lead to uncertainty in the market. The reduction of its production has led to a correction in the global market. The offers will not be the same, so you have to find a balance.”

According to EUROMETAL data, steel user sectors have improved their performance so far this year, except for the automotive industry. “The steel industry is changing in search of creating greater added value and sustainability of its products. We must look with optimism at the structural changes caused by the CO2 reduction plan, emphasising the digitisation of processes based on new business management,” Espada added.

Meanwhile, Eurofer director of market analysis Alessandro Sciamarelli said the worst of the economic recession is over, supported mainly by the recovery of construction activity. Growth in steel-consuming sectors, however, remains uncertain in the second half-year due to higher energy prices and global supply chain disruptions.

Eurofer nevertheless foresees steel demand will be moderately positive during 2021 and 2022, with the construction sector set to be the best-positioned. Construction output is expected to rise by 11.2% in 2021, following the 4.2% drop seen last year. The recovery will continue also in 2022.

“Consumption is set to increase 11.2% this year and continue to recover in 2022,” Sciamarelli explained. The automotive industry has been hit by the microchip shortage and subsequently saw demand reduce across Europe, weakening the sector’s position in the global market. “Car production is estimated to rise 15.3% in 2021 and to grow further by 7.9% next year. The outlook, however, remains uncertain due to the current semiconductors crisis, lower consumer demand and the implementation of EV standards,” Sciamarelli added.

According to Eurofer, the impact of the EU Next Generation economic recovery plan will become apparent by mid-2022.

Todor Kirkov Bulgaria

Revista InfoAcero Septiembre 2021

En el siguiente enlace pueden acceder a la edición de Septiembre de la revista  INFOACERO

A continuación destacamos algunos de sus contenidos:

1.     Opinión – D. Manuel García – Junta Directiva de la UAHE. 

2.     Evolución del Índice de Precios de Productos Siderúrgicos – UAHE

3.     Información Asociativa:  Jornada UAHE (Madrid, 25 Noviembre).

4.      Programa XVII Fórum de la Distribución de Productos Siderúrgicos (Castelldefels, 28 Octubre)

Start-up meets industry: Productivity Symposium on October 7th in Neu-Ulm

Concept AG, in cooperation with Bansbach GmbH, invites you to the “Productivity Symposium 2021” at the Classic Oldtimer Factory in Neu-Ulm. The aim of this event is to mediate between start-ups and established companies in order to bring together tech know-how and industrial competence. Around 30 start-ups present themselves during the entire symposium and have the opportunity to meet with decision-makers.

So far, many companies have hardly come into contact with digital start-ups. Conversely, young founders would like to have connections with established companies, but they do not yet have contact persons there. In order to close this gap, the Productivity Symposium was launched by the management consultancy Concept AG with the support of the auditing and tax consultancy company Bansbach. They want to make innovative developments known to medium-sized companies and promote the exchange between young experts and decision-makers.

Jens Fabrowsky, Vice President Automotive Electronics for Semiconductors and Components at Robert Bosch, has agreed to be the keynote speaker. His lecture is: “How does AI help in production today and tomorrow?”. Joachim Erdle (Head of Corporate Finance at LBBW / BW Bank), Regina Brückner (Management of the Brückner Group), Hannes Hinteregger (Avedon Capital Partner) and Dr. Harald Balzer (CEO of Concept AG) will participate in the panel discussion. After the final lecture by Fabian Bodensteiner (CEO amobs.io GmbH) “Enrich your working life”, the “Bansbach Elevator Startup Award” will be presented.

Around 250 participants and 30 start-ups are expected this year. KALTENBACH.SOLUTIONS will also be represented with an information booth. After more than four years on the market, the company moves safely in the world of start-ups as well as in the world of industry and can combine specific tech know-how with extensive expertise for the benefit of customers in the steel industry.

Registration and detailed information on the Productivity Symposium 2021 at: https://concept.ag/productivity-symposium/