Rise of proximity steel stockholding distribution, EU SSC distribution shrinking

In October 2018, shipments of EU SSC distribution dropped by -2,0 % , when compared with October 2017, amounting to a decline of -2,4 % during the first 10 months of 2018, each time in a year on year comparison.

When expressed in days of shipments, stocks at EU SSC averaged lower in October 2018 at 65 days, when compared with 67 days in October 2017.

For October 2018, the index of stock volumes did reach index 110, to be compared with index 116 in October 2017 (average 2015 = index 100). Prominently, stocks of metallic coated flats  remain on the high side.

In October 2018, EU Multi-Product & Proximity Steel Stockholding Distribution noted higher shipments for all products of its portfolio. Only steel tubes registered lower shipments.

As a matter of fact, during October 2018, total shipments increased significantly by +8,4 %, year-on-year.

For the first 10 months of 2018, shipments noted slightly higher at +1,1 %, year-on-year.

Stock volumes index of EU Multi-Product & Proximity Steel Stockholding Distribution noted higher at 102 in October 2018, when compared to an index of 95, one year before.

When expressed in days of shipments, stock volumes in October 2018 leveled at 72 days of shipments, against 73 days in October 2017.

EUROMETAL is the European Federation of Steel, Tubes and Metals Distribution & Trade.

EUROMETAL, on EU level, has developed over the last decade a representative and unique market monitoring system for EU steel distribution.

EU steel distribution & trade account for 5 000 companies, mostly small and medium sized enterprises, providing jobs to 110 000 people in the EU. EU steel distributors, SSC and traders are systemic players in EU steel markets, supplying 82 million tons of steel, tubes and metals to EU end use sectors. They account for more than 60 % of the supply in steel and tubes of EU manufacturing industries and of EU construction related sectors.

Source: Eurometal, photo: fotoalia