Changing Nonferrous Metals Markets

Abstract

Fundamental changes in the market place and in production processes in the past ten years have affected metal demand and will continue to do so. Aluminum, copper, lead and zinc industries, the major components of the nonferrous metals sector, have experienced declines in the United States in the past decade. Substantial declines have occurred in consumption, intensity of use, production, employment and profitability. The United States is on the edge of a materials revolution. New technologies have brought innovative products and materials to the market which are in competition with ferrous and nonferrous metals. These new materials include fiber optics, ceramics, composite materials, and engineered plastics. The key lo survival for the metals industry is to maintain existing markets under the threat of continued product substitution, while developing new markets to expand metal consumption.