MEPS to lead stainless steel debate at BSSA conference

MEPS International steel market analyst Michelle Kirton will explore the key trends and challenges defining the stainless sector when she hosts a debate at the British Stainless Steel Association’s (BSSA) annual conference.

Kirton, a researcher and writer on MEPS’s monthly Stainless Steel Review publication, will use insight and analysis compiled by MEPS to frame her debate with stainless steel market experts during the May 23 event, at The Grand Hotel Birmingham. 

Confirmed among the expert panel are: Nick Barnes, sales director, Rimex Metals (UK); Rob Heath, stainless and aluminium trader, Duferco UK; and Jon Carruthers-Green, trade policy and green steel specialist, MEPS International.                            

Stainless price trends, the current market for green steel and the progress of sustainable steelmaking, and the influence of trade defence measures on global imports will be among the topics up for discussion. 

“There is never a dull moment in the stainless steel market”, said Kirton, as she prepared for next week’s debate at MEPS’s headquarters in Sheffield, the UK’s ‘Steel City’. 

“MEPS’s researchers speak to contacts around the world to compile our price data and market insights and it constantly highlights how dynamic the market forces at play in the sector are.  

“Recent weeks have seen political strikes and industrial action influence supply in Europe, along with additional EU antidumping and anticircumvention duties targeting material of Indonesia-origin and, more broadly, increased sanctions against Russian nickel. 

“To have such a strong panel on stage to discuss the real-world influence of all these factors should make for a compelling discussion.” 

An 'unmissable' discussion

BSSA managing director Rob Cooper described the MEPS panel debate as an unmissable element of next week’s conference, which will be followed by the organisation’s annual dinner. He said: “MEPS is a long-standing and valued supporter of the BSSA and it’s great that they are sharing the benefit of their stainless steel market expertise with attendees at our annual conference, once again. 

“Michelle has an excellent panel lined up and no shortage of hot topics to discuss. Her on-stage debate is just one element of the day that should not be missed.”   

Also among the industry speakers at next week’s BSSA annual conference are representatives from Acerinox, Amari and Greenfield Energy. 

For details of how to attend the event, contact the BSSA’s Kate Vale, via email, at kate.vale@bssa.org.uk.