The World Steel Association today released the results of theglobal short-term steel demand forecast for 2018-2019. According to forecasts,global steel demand in 2018 will reach 1,657.9 million tons, an increase of 3.9%.Global steel demand will increase by 1.4% in 2019 to reach 1.6812 billion tons.

Mr. Al Remeithi, Chairman of the World Steel AssociationMarket Research Committee, said in his predictions: "This year, globalsteel demand continues to be strong due to the recovery of investment marketsin the developed economies of the world and the outstanding performance ofemerging economies. Global steel demand is expected in 2019. Continued moderategrowth, an increase of 1.4%."

Global economic and trade tensions are the greatestinstability facing global steel demand.