Welcome to the Hashtagsteel blog, in this post, we will delve into the latest trends shaping the global steel industry and how India stands out as a bright spot with its robust growth projections. As the steel industry recovers from the impact of the pandemic and adapts to the winds of change, we will also explore the emerging realm of online steel ecommerce or the habit change of steel online purchase, offering Indian steel companies an opportunity to reach new heights. Let's dive in!
Global Steel Industry Trends:
The global steel industry faced a challenging period in 2022 due to geopolitical tensions, inflation, and supply chain disruptions triggered by the Russia-Ukraine war. However, there is hope on the horizon, with the World Steel Association predicting a moderate recovery in 2023 and 2024.
Key Projections:
Global steel demand is expected to grow by 2.3% in 2023 and 1.7% in 2024, driven primarily by the manufacturing and construction sectors.
China's steel demand will witness a modest growth of 2% in 2023 and remain stable in 2024 as its economy cools.
Developed economies such as the EU and US are poised to experience 1-3% growth in 2023-24 following a downturn in 2022.
India, with its competitive advantage in low-cost steel production and government-led infrastructure investments, is expected to see remarkable growth of over 7% in both 2023 and 2024.
Green Steel and Trade Barriers:
The global steel industry is embracing decarbonization, with demand for green steel projected to increase tenfold from 15 million metric tons in 2021 to over 200 million metric tons by 2030. While this presents opportunities, supply challenges may arise, emphasizing the need for further investment in sustainable practices.
Additionally, trade barriers and industry protectionism are on the rise, leading to market decoupling and potential disruptions in trade flows as economies focus more on domestic production.
Indian Steel Industry Trends:
India's steel industry is witnessing a bright future, outshining global trends with robust demand growth projections. Key drivers include significant government spending on infrastructure, renewable energy and manufacturing investments, and a booming automotive and consumer durables sector driven by rising incomes. Furthermore, India's competitive advantage in low-cost steel production and its vast domestic market provides insulation against global headwinds, making it a compelling market for both domestic and international players.
Global Ecommerce Trends in Steel:
In the digital era, the steel industry is gradually embracing online ecommerce to reach new customers and diversify product offerings. Various models have emerged, including direct sales from steel mills and distributors, aggregator platforms for multiple suppliers, marketplaces for listing stock availability, and online manufacturing services.
Ecommerce Trends in Indian Steel:
India's steel industry can leverage ecommerce to its advantage, targeting new segments and customers. Large infrastructure projects provide opportunities to supply steel directly via ecommerce platforms.
Moreover, India's competitive edge in low-cost steel positions it favorably to export niche products worldwide using e-commerce. Although adoption is still in its early stages, the tech-savvy, younger population offers immense potential for growth in online steel purchasing.
As the global steel industry makes strides toward recovery and sustainability, India emerges as a beacon of growth with a promising outlook. With the advent of online steel e-commerce, Indian steel companies have an excellent opportunity to expand their horizons, increase exports, and keep pace with the digital revolution.
At Hashtag Steel, we recognize the significance of these trends. That's why we have launched an e-commerce platform tailored to the unique needs of the Indian steel industry. Together, let's embrace the future of steel and build a stronger, sustainable, and digitally driven industry.
By @Suvina E.P on Wednesday, 11 October 2023