-
Mass-produced vehicles such as Ford’s aluminum-intensive F-150 pickup truck should spur demand in 2014, but some metal analysts believe that a modestly stronger North American appetite alone will not be enough to soak up a global aluminum supply glut.
-
Copper producers are optimistic about 2014 after a disappointing performance last year, with fears about oversupply, overproduction, a drop in demand from China and falling prices starting to give way to a sense that business could return to normal at some point this year.
-
Scrapyards are bullish on 2014 as US mill demand, steel output and a generally stronger overall economy all point to increased business and profits, especially if key segments, such as nonresidential construction, finally emerge from the doldrums.
-
A stable steel market environment is expected for the foreseeable future, as changes in discounting, product demand and leadership at key companies have metal executives ready to roll with the punches in a year that will not move too far in either direction.
-
After a year in which steel imports actually fell slightly, many in the market expect another relatively flat year in 2014 as weak economic recovery and demand for products may continue at home and abroad, maintaining a ceiling on just how much steel is needed.
-
Nickel market challenges aren’t necessarily a result of weakening consumption, but rather because of too much production in a market that is oversaturated domestically and globally with enough product to overcome the unknown.
-
The 2014 outlook for iron ore producers is bright as they build on what for some was a strong finish to last year, while the metallurgical coal sector expects current struggles will continue in the coming months due at least in part to nagging environmental and regulatory issues.
-
This year is likely to see a continuation of last year’s issues affecting the secondary aluminum market, including sweeping LME rule changes, Chinese insistence on higher-quality scrap and a shortage of material needed to meet strong auto demand.
-
While China is facing overproduction issues that could derail stainless steel’s momentum this year, analysts and players in the sector say the strength of US market fundamentals could be enough to overcome foreign factors.
-
Many key players said the 2014 outlook for tube and pipe is stable to positive, with very little downside expected in the coming months due mostly to technological advances by end-users, gains in construction and a view that OCTG will remain strong for the sector.