The production of stainless steel in Europe decreased in 9 months by 6 percent

In the first nine months of this year, the production of stainless steel in Europe decreased to 5.4 million tons, which is 6 percent less than in the APPG-2012. This is stated in the December report of the German service center Damstahl.

A particularly strong fall in the production of stainless steel occurred in Germany - by 14 percent compared to last year and in Sweden - by 7 percent. Meanwhile, in Slovenia, stainless steel production was registered by 14 percent in an annual comparison.

Damstahl analysts expect that the real demand for stainless steel in Europe will be reduced by 2.5 percent in 2013. In addition, real demand at the end of the year will be weaker than at the beginning.

In the second half of this year, the demand for varietal stainless steel rental will be reduced compared to the first half by 6 percent, while sheet steel is 2 percent. Distributors promise a muffled but stable volume of orders for the entire range of stainless metal rolling in the last quarter of 2013 and a slight increase in sales to end consumers.

The EU market is wary of statements about the possible increase in stainless steel prices, expecting some market strengthening at the beginning of next year. At the same time, sellers associate the greatest hopes with an increase in demand from the automotive traders.