Steel and Specialty Metals Trend Analysis
Abstract
All six primary metals (aluminum, copper, nickel, titanium, stainless steel and carbon steel) have been falling steeply in price during the second half of 2008, and are anticipated to continue thru the first half of 2009. Despite the effects of the sudden credit freeze coupled with the slowdown in the American economy, the contracted metals demand is forecasted to only be a short term condition, and current demand is not viewed sufficient enough to permanently reverse the upward trend of escalating prices. This is only seen as an economic pause or a market correction that is leaning toward overreaction within the metals industry. Global demand for infrastructure programs and aerospace replacement is expected to carry on after an estimated delayed period of 12 to 18 months, starting from October 2008. For the past four years, manufacturers and distributors of steel products, and other strategic materials have experienced sharp price increases and availability problems. Consequently, in 2004 DCMA Industrial Analysis Center (IAC) was tasked to assess and prepare a presentation for the 2004 Army Materiel Command's Principal Assistant Responsible for Contracting (PARC) Conference, detailing the short, medium and longterm impacts of steel on the DoD Industrial Base.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA530011