By Li Bu, Deng Yusong, Zhao Huaiyong　

Date: 2004/05/20

Abstract:　　

The total volume of output and import of steel both increased by a big margin in the first quarter of 2004; the general price level is still picking up. Since the beginning of March, steel price took a downturn and price of some construction steel started to fall. Predicted demand on steel is between 292~307 million tons; domestic output is expected to be 300 million tons. The price will first rise and then stay at a high level, and will fall slightly in the second half of the year; big price differences will occur among different categories of steel products, but steel price will not fall drastically.