Moreover, it was substantially higher than the December figure. Steel output growth is forecast for this year.
Major mills found orders difficult to obtain
According to MEPS analysis, the smaller mills which predominately supply the construction segment have increased their contribution to the overall steel production figure. In contrast, the major mills which supply virtually all the needs of the manufacturing sector, have found orders more difficult to obtain.
Reduced import volumes
Weak economic indicators for most western nations are likely to lead to reduced import volumes for the Chinese steel mills compared to the recent past. Consequently, increased activity in the construction sector will be required to maintain a strong steel industry in 2012. The best prospect in the short term is the construction of economic homes.
The government has a plan to build 36 million economic houses between 2011 and 2015.
Good news for the steel industry
Incorporating private sector funding with that of the government investment would be good news for the Chinese steel industry. It may be possible for current restrictions on bank lending could be relaxed for projects which incorporated a proportion of affordable homes in the project. This in turn would be useful for the real estate segment and the economy in general – including the manufacturing sector, through sales of home appliances.
