The Global Outlook for Nickel and Stainless Steel to 2012

What does the future hold for nickel pig iron in China? Is it just temporary swing supply or is there a sustainable longer-term niche for nickel pig iron in the supply chain?

Will looming slowdown in the world's developed economies derail growth in the stainless steel market, or will China and other developing economies pick up the slack?

What does the dawning of a new era of high nickel prices mean for the relative growth rates of austenitic, ferritic and duplex grades of stainless steel?

Delays to mining projects, soaring capex and operating costs, years of underinvestment in exploration, and processing technology failures have dogged nickel producers for years.

Regardless of the stumbling supply side of the market, nickel consumption has been growing resolutely, driven by soaring demand from the booming stainless steel sector, particularly in China.

The imbalance came to a head in 2007 in spectacular style, as the world's inventories of nickel virtually disappeared and, with a little help from the speculative and investment community, nickel prices skyrocketed.

The market came back to earth somewhat in the second half of last year. However, the factors that pushed the market to breaking point have not been resolved.

The purpose of this report is therefore to assess where this notoriously volatile and unpredictable market will go to next, why and how. The repercussions of the recent price spike on the nickel market itself and on production and consumption trends in the stainless steel markets are investigated.

The Global Outlook for Nickel and Stainless Steel to 2012 is essential reading!

The report is essential reading for all industry professionals that have an interest in the future of the nickel and stainless steel markets, including:

Nickel exploration and development companies

Mining companies

Stainless steel producers

Steel traders and nickel traders

Steel distributors

Warehousing and shipping companies

banks and finance providers

Mining and commodity sector investors

Governments

Biography of co-author Bill Price

Following metallurgical training in the UK, Bill began his career in the speciality metals sector for Sweden's Stora Steel.

Subsequently he joined Falconbridge Nickel Mines before initiating, organising and implementing a ground breaking business development programme in China.

During his tenure as Director and GM of Cominco, he engaged with nickel producers, consumers and traders on a regular basis.

Bill joined Commodity in 2007 as Recruiter: Base and Minor Metals, Ferro Alloys and Steel, where is extensive experience and contacts have proved invaluable.

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