IRON AND STEEL: FAVOURABLE OUTLOOK FOR 2000.

Steel production for 1999 should total 155 million tonnes, corresponding to a reduction of 2.9% compared to 1998. During recent consultations, EU iron and steel producers indicated their satisfaction with the shift in demand as of the summer of 1999. However, they are apprehensive that the growth in certain disruptive imports could, in the course of 2000, compromise the catch-up phase of the Community market, whose situation still remains uncertain. On the other hand, the steel traders have shown themselves more optimistic than the producers as regards the prospects for the year 2000.The building sector, as well as the mechanical and the electrical industries, are expected to strengthen their growth in 2000. The automobile industry, after its extraordinary performance during the past few years, is expected to show excellent overall figures, despite a slight -- but predictable -- slowdown, whereas shipbuilding activity is expected to remain weak because of international competition.International trade in...