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[November 2003]
UK Refractory Products Market
MBD, Market & Business Development Ltd (Manchester, England) has announced the publication of 'The UK Refractory Products Market Development Report'.
In its market review, the report says that the UK market for refractory products during the period 1999-2003 has increased during most of that time. Sales peaked at an estimated 354.7 million in 2002, representing nominal growth of 14% compared with 1999. In 2003, however, the market is expected to decline by 3% to 343.1 million.
Within the report's forecast period - 2004-2008 - MBD anticipates sales of refractory products to fluctuate at moderate levels. Overall, however, sales are expected to decline by 3% in real terms to 324 million in 2008.
The market for constructional products containing more than 50% of MgO, CaO or Cr2O3 is expected to increase in the latter year of the forecast period to 18 million. However, between 2004 and 2008 a 3% decline is expected. Sales of constructional products with more than 50% of alumina and/or silica are forecast to decline from 73.3 million in 2004 to 71.2 million in 2008, representing a decline in real terms of 3%.
The iron and steel industry is the largest consumer of refractory products in the UK and therefore the level of capital expenditure by this industry influences the UK output of refractory products significantly. In volume terms, the industry is likely to face an increasingly declining trend as the UK manufacturers have developed products that have superior performance levels to the traditional refractory products in terms of durability. MBD anticipates a decline in production during the majority of the forecast period. Between 2004 and 2008, production is forecast to decline by 3%, taking the value to 476.2 million in the last year.
The value of imports of refractory products is expected to decline in real terms during the majority of the forecast period, although some annual fluctuations are anticipated. Import penetration is likely to remain relatively unchanged at between 18% and 19%, reflecting the continuing strong presence of UK manufacturers in most sectors of the market. Despite growing international consolidation of the supply market, imports are anticipated to decline moderately over the review period, as the Euro continues to strengthen against the pound Sterling.
'The UK Refractory Products Market Development Report' is available from MBD at the price of 55.
www.mbdltd.co.uk
ENDS