The growth in the industry is expected to ease the commercial conflicts which were at their height at the end of 1998 and the beginning of 1999. This means steel product prizes are expected to rise too.
Industrial output is likely to rise with investments increasing.
In Norway, the economy has slowed down and investment levels are falling, affecting steel consumption. There has been economic recovery recently in Switzerland as the labour market situation has improved and consumer confidence has increased. Construction investment and export levels have also risen. Turkey is currently recovering from two major shocks in 1998-99. Imports and exports are both likely to rise.