Demand for stainless steel in South Africa registered a significant increase of 29 percent in 2006 climbing up to 192,000 metric tons, according to a statement released by the Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association (SASSDA).
SASSDA said that last year's rise in stainless steel demand was fuelled principally by the transport sector which accounted for 42 percent of demand in 2006. Meanwhile, engineering and capital equipment constituted 18 percent of demand, with metal goods responsible for 17 percent.
Commenting on the prospects for the future, SASSDA remarked, "The growth outlook for the local market remained positive, driven by strong demand and project activity within South Africa and the region." In particular, it said that demand over the coming years would be boosted by a number of infrastructure projects in the country worth a total of around US$55 billion.