Companhia Vale do Rio Doce (Vale) (RIO) has recently been climbing back from lows caused by the severe drop in demand for its principle feedstock, iron ore. However, there are signs that the Brazilian mining giant may be turning the corner, as the Baltic Dry Index (BDI) has begun to show some activity off the back of speculation that the steel industry is picking up, particularly in Asia.
Vale said steel output across Asia declined by only 8.9% in the first quarter, despite the Japanese recession. This would indicate continuing strength in Chinese demand, compared to North American steel output falling by 52% and European output declining by 44%. Furthermore, Vale said its first-quarter copper output was unchanged year-on-year, aided by Chinese consumer demand for durable goods.
Steel demand is set to stabilize in the latter part of 2009, leading to “mild” recovery in 2010, according to the World Steel Association. German car registrations in March rose to the highest since 1992 after the government began paying owners to trade in old vehicles for new models. Sales in China of cars, minivans and multipurpose vehicles rose to a record in April. Car makers are the fourth-biggest steel consuming indutry, according to the association.
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