What drives US flat steel demand?

We are adding downstream steel product coverage to the Steel Market Service as a natural expansion of our sector-by-sector demand modelling. In the first instance, we have added our views on flat steel production and demand in the US. Flat steel production is the cornerstone of US steelmaking and it is heavily exposed to the automotive sector. The automotive industry is changing rapidly, with lightweighting considered a priority. Irrespective of whether lightweighting is achieved through increased penetration of high-strength steels, aluminium or plastics, the aim is certain – to consume less material, including steel per vehicle. This trend poses a substantial long-term risk for steelmaking in the US, particularly for flat products.