Analysis of global demand for iron source by estimation of in-use steel stock

Abstract

The Utility of Stock hypothesis, which assumes that an in-use stock of constructional material is a function of GDP, was formulated and a clear correlation between the world steel stock and the world GDP led to the estimation that the world demand for iron ore (primary iron) depends not on the volume of GDP but on the variation of GDP, as already reported. In this study, the world steel stock in use is computed. Sensitivity analyses are conducted to show the effect of lower reliable data such as the usage period (lifetime) of ironcontaining final products. Clear correlation is found between the in-use steel stock and the steel stock. Hence, the Utility of Stock hypothesis is verified. © 2011 ISIJ.