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Revised Forecast: Metalcasting Shipments to Decrease 2.3 Million Tons in 2009 |
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Recent interviews with casting users indicate that most market sectors are experiencing losses in shipments in the first quarter of 2009 as the domino effect of poor sales has affected markets beyond automotive and housing starts, as reported in the March 2009 issue of MODERN CASTING. These losses indicate that the metalcasting industry will struggle to rebound in the next three quarters to match 2008’s tonnage and sales.
The production of light vehicles fell close to 30% in the first quarter of 2009. Medium to heavy truck and trailer production is expected to fall to about 190,000 units after dropping in 2008, and orders for railroad freight cars in 2009 are expected to fall to 40,000. Based on these and other first quarter statistics, total metal casting shipments are reforecast to decrease 2,300,000 in 2009 versus 2008.
For more detailed information on the 2009 metalcasting industry forecast, visit http://www.moderncasting.com/content/view/700/77/
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