industry perspective
Consumption figures In terms of local production, stainless steel was moving laterally during the first quarter but showed good growth in April, which is also reflected in the export figures. Imports did not change much from their historic values, but local consumption edged slightly down in April. However, local consumption is the tonnage that gets locally converted by fabricators who would still have been exposed to load-shedding in this period. As a result, we believe that we will see a definite increase in this figure in the second quarter of 2024. Substantiating this opinion is the 5% growth in national manufacturing during the same period. Uncertain times, but with a good promise that things can get better this year and that we will soon see the local consumption tonnage returning to the pre- pandemic levels of 156 000 tonnes. This is important, as it would mean job creation and growth. Please enjoy this effort by our editorial team and remember to enter the Sassda Awards that will take place later this year. You can read more about this in the magazine, but we are excited about the opportunity again to honour the companies and individuals that make our industry great.
Michel Basson Sassda Executive Director
2
Issue 2 – 2024
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