The steel industry is highly cyclical and is affected significantly by general economic conditions and other factors such as worldwide production capacity, fluctuations in steel imports/exports and tariffs. Steel prices are sensitive to a number of supply and demand factors. Steel markets recently have been experiencing larger and more pronounced cyclical fluctuations. This trend, combined with the upward pressure on costs of key inputs, mainly metallics and energy, presents an increasing challenge for steel producers. The key drivers for maintaining a competitive position and good financial performance in this challenging environment are product differentiation, customer service, cost reduction and cash management.

The dependence of certain operating subsidiaries of the steel companies on either export or domestic markets may limit its flexibility in managing its business.

Some of the steel companies are primarily export oriented, as domestic markets are not adequate to support operations, and some of the companies are substantially dependent on the domestic markets of their countries of operation. Any rise in trade barriers or trade related actions in main export markets, or any fall in demand in the export or domestic markets due to weak economic conditions or other reasons, may adversely affect the operations of these companies and may limit their flexibility in managing its business.

Steel production requires substantial amounts of raw materials and energy, including iron ore fines,iron ore pellets, scrap, electricity, natural gas, coal and coke. Any prolonged interruption in the supply of raw materials or energy, or substantial increases in their costs, could adversely affect the business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects of steel companies.