Automakers Are Struggling To Secure Steel Supply

Via AG Metal Miner 

The MetalMiner Automotive MMI dropped substantially in October, dipping by 9.08%. Manufacturing limitations due to energy shortages and smelter shutdowns remain the ongoing trend in car manufacturing. However, consumer demand for cars, especially in the US, still holds firm. This leaves many in the automotive industry trying to find a balance between available supplies and consumer demand.

Car Manufacturing Fighting the Odds

Smelter shutdowns in China and Europe are impacting the production of the steel used to fashion cars. However, the demand to purchase vehicles remains strong. To satisfy this, sufficient steel supply must begin circulating globally before more vehicle manufacturing can occur.

Steel isn't the only car material currently struggling. The automotive industry is plagued by the lack of parts and pieces for vehicle microchips. Fortunately, some microchips are starting to make a comeback. Still, chip production is a slow process, as the tiny devices contain many complex components.They also require numerous materials like tin, silicon, etc. Acquiring these different metals in the proper forms and grades could become challenging in potentially-recessionary conditions, especially when supply is already tight.

Car Manufacturing Rising: UK on The Fence

There is even more good news for the car manufacturing industry, as consumer demand continues to rise globally. In the UK alone, car production rose for four months straight until August, rising a total of 34% from the previous year. EV demand also continues to aid the car manufacturing industry, meaning metals like lithium and cobalt remain highly coveted commodities.

Still, not everyone in the UK agrees on the efficiency of the EV vehicle increase. Up to 31% of Forbes' surveyed audience, which consisted of UK EV drivers, complained about waiting in long charging lines. The same group agrees that the UK government needs to expand charging capabilities. Despite this, UK new vehicle registrations continue to rise, growing 9.6% in September compared to August's 3.4% downturn.

China, Europe, and Ongoing Steel Shortages

Both the car and steel manufacturing industries saw a modest bounce in August. However, whether or not the trend will continue remains unclear. MetalMiner has noted the impact of supply chain shortages and steel smelter shutdowns numerous times, and those problems seem to be compounding rather than going away.

An ongoing trend for steel-reliant manufacturers seems to be finding alternatives to Chinese metals. After all, China's property crisis and industrial limitations over the past 3-4 months continue to hit the global steel market particularly hard. And with Europe facing energy rationing this winter in light of the Nord Stream 1 fiasco, steel output in Europe will be limited.

By AG Metal Miner