Russian steelmaker Severstal has stated that it hopes to see increased steel demand in 2013 on the back of construction and infrastructure projects in Russia. Although the fragile economic environment will keep pressure on steel prices throughout 2013, the company already sees slight signs of recovery.
In the US, Severstal expects that, after 17 percent growth in 2012, the automotive industry will continue its upward trend, with 2013 NAFTA auto production projected to increase three percent over 2012 to 15.9 million units. US pipe and tube demand was moderate in 2012, but there are signs of recovery in 2013 based on increasing drilling activity and new pipeline projects.