EU steel industry. Further towards high-tech products

With the international financial crisis deepening in September 2008 and spilling over into client industries steel output nosedived at double-digit rates from October 2008. For 2009 DB Research reckons on contraction of 25% and then for 2010 with expansion of 10% owing to restocking effects. The close link between crude steel output and industrial production suggests that EU crude steel output will grow only slightly over the medium term. Generally speaking, the production of crude steel in the EU only has a future with “specialisation” in premium products. Innovation drivers are energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.

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