The industry has experienced a difficult time over the past five years, following its strong performance during the commodities boom. Demand from metal product manufacturers, particularly those supplying the construction and automotive industries, largely drove the industry's fortunes. The residential housing market collapsed in mid-2007, while revenue fell for automotive industries due to rising import penetration and changing consumer needs. Furthermore, the ongoing trend of wholesale bypass is negatively affecting growth, as mining companies become more vertically integrated.
This industry comprises firms that wholesale a range of mineral and metal products. Key items include coal and coke, pig iron, ingot steel and semi-fabricated products of iron or steel (sheet, strip, bars, rods, sections, structural steel or tubes). Firms may also wholesale metal waste or scrap.
The report covers the scope, size, disposition and growth of the industry including the key sensitivities and success factors. Also included are five year industry forecast, growth rates and an analysis of the industry key players and their market shares.
