 |
In 2005, the strategy of developing an industry increasingly committed to sustainable development gained an important tool for measuring progress. The International Iron and Steel Institute (IISI) began collecting a common base of economic, social, and environmental performance data for member companies-an initiative that had the full support of the Arcelor Group and Arcelor Brasil.
One of the results of this work was the publication of the report Steel: A Foundation for a Sustainable Future - 2005 Sustainability Report for the World Steel Industry, bringing together data from 35 companies that, together, are responsible for about 40% of world steel production. The Arcelor Group was cited as an example of success under indicator 3 (Return on Capital Employed - ROCE), and CST Arcelor Brasil was cited for the results obtained in water resource management. Detailed information on the IISI's work, as well as the full text of the Sustainability Report can be accessed at www.iisi.org.
The initiative is more than timely, given the world's voracity for this noble product. The world production of raw steel increased 6% in 2005, reaching a record of 1.1 billion metric tons, driven, once again, by China, responsible for 32% of the global volume-350 million metric tons. In 2005, China became a net exporter of steel products, with sales almost entirely of long steel, positioning it as the third largest exporter of steel in the world.
An adjustment plan prepared by the Chinese government intends to contain growth of the national steel industry, with an annual production goal for 2010 of 400 million metric tons. This will reflect positively in the world market, contributing to greater stability in steel price levels. India, which recorded a 16.6% increase in steel production in 2005 compared to the previous year, is eighth in the world and is expected to continue at the same pace. In the next ten years, it may become one of the world's top five producers. The other large steel producers, such as Japan, the United States, and Germany, have reduced their annual production levels by an amount similar to that of Brazil (3.9%).
The year 2005 was marked by continuity in the world steel industry consolidation process, whose effects were felt directly through reduced price volatility for steel products on the international market, with the reduction in the number of players in Europe, Asia, and the United States. This movement included the progress of the privatization process, especially in Eastern Europe.
|
|
