June 2012 | Steel Tracker
Are the Florange and RG Steel plant a sign of things to come?: International Flat Product Market Analysis
The market has become a test of who can who withstand tight margins for the longest.
Steel producers must be able to remain competitive, and at times of low demand owing to economic problems is of heightened priority. However, how are mills able to do this without coming under fire from trade unions? The current case of the closing of the ArcelorMittal blast furnace in Lorraine, France is an appropriate example. The operation has been deemed no longer, “core-business” to Mittals Empire, therefore the decision was taken to turn the furnace cold. The issues facing landlocked mills are beginning to show. The logistical issues of raw material deliveries alone make mills residing on the coastal locations at a competitive advantage. While once those inland mills were booming as a result of being built upon mines has now seemingly become a disadvantage as the availability of iron ore becomes lessened. Are we seeing the beginning of a period of consolidation, again? Time and time again...
ACCESS RESTRICTED
You must be a paid subscriber to view the full content.
Content over 60 days old can only be accessed by subscribers.
Call +44(0)20 7779 8000 with your credit card details or subscribe online.
SUBSCRIBE
Receive unlimited access to all current and archive content going back to 2008 including downloadable pricing data and forecasts. Plus download the latest issue as soon as it’s published.
Subscribe