Structural steel set for short-term fall

The short-term prospects for the structural steel market are grim, according to the latest report from Market & Business Development (MBD).

The tonnage of steel sold is forecast to fall 1% this year and in 2004 to just shy of 1.3 million tonnes. MBD expects a 2% increase in 2005, another 1% increase in 2006 before dropping back 2% in 2007.

Demand from the industrial sector will drop by 11% over the period, just compensated by small increases from the commercial, offices and infrastructure sectors.

One bit of good news is the forecast for a drop-off in the import of structural steel, expected to fall nearly 6% over the period.

The report is available from MBD on 0161 247 8600 or its website www.mbdltd.co.uk.