MNI BRIEF: China Steel Demand Low In Q1
China demand for steel has made a slow start to the year as the real estate market continues to decline and the intensity of infrastructure construction slows down, the China Iron and Steel Association said Thursday.
The association said iron and steel producers must be produce in a self-disciplined manner that balances supply and demand. Mills should “oppose low-price dumping and resist engaging in vicious competition” the notice added. Going forward, noting that China still had huge demand for steel, but the industry needs to urgently adapt to market fundamentals.
China will continue to ease homebuying restrictions and increase financing support for developers, but authorities must accelerate and intensify policies and implement unconventional measures to help the market bottom as quickly as possible to hasten the recovery, advisors told MNI. (See: MNI: China To Continue Housing Relaxation As Developers Suffer)