Demand for structural steel on construction projects in the United States will continue to grow in 2007, according to the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) which projects a growth in tonnage demand for structural steel of 2 percent in 2007.
According to AISC, members of the structural steel industry at every level of the supply chain are taking steps to ensure that supply continues to meet the expanding needs of the construction industry. The domestic production capacity of structural steel will increase by 10 percent in 2007 as a result of mill expansions currently under construction.
Notable areas of growth in demand for structural steel in 2007 will include industrial and warehouse projects; parking; schools and universities; and public sector projects. Overall, forecast data also show continued growth intotal construction volume, with 2007 projected to equal the previous peak of 1.94 billion square feet achieved in 2000.
