Import of metal products from Russia to the EU is growing

Steel demand in the EU is expected to continue to recover in 2017 and 2018. The key challenge for the European Steel Association (EUROFER) is the continued growth of imports. If earlier European steel producers were worried about imports from China, then after the introduction of high duties on Chinese steel, now the supply of Russian metal products is causing concern.

The price of rolled metal from Russia is lower than that of European manufacturers, therefore, Russian rolled metal is in great demand for construction activities in the EU. Metal structures for Russian consumers are made of the same metal. SKIMPRO manufactures metal structures of any complexity and for various purposes, including custom metal products , such as forged elements, metal containers, fences, pre-fabricated warehouses, hangars, etc. Modern equipment makes it possible to manufacture metal structures quickly and efficiently from the most suitable rolled metal.

EUROFER CEO Eggert said: “Total imports grew by over 9% in 2016, reaching a multi-year peak. For the fourth consecutive year, imports are growing stronger than the actual EU steel market and once again absorbing a modest increase in demand. In the second half of 2016, steel imports accounted for 25% of the EU market. ”

In 2017 and 2018, apparent steel consumption is projected to continue to grow, albeit at a more moderate pace, thanks to the expected continued recovery in real steel consumption and a moderately positive stock cycle impact. Eggert urged the European Commission to continue to actively implement trade protection measures against dumping in the EU.

Consumption in the EU for construction activities was particularly weak in Central Europe. At the same time, activity in the equipment, transport and automotive sectors in particular continues to expand at a good pace. In general, the activity of using steel in various sectors, in general, increased by 1.8% in 2016.

The baseline scenario for economic recovery will continue in 2017 and 2018, albeit at slightly slower growth rates than in the previous two years due to low oil prices and inflation. It is expected that this will lead to an increase in steel consumption in the EU. The improved outlook for the growth rate of the global economy and, as a consequence, international trade bodes well for steel exports from the euro area, benefiting from its weakening.