Trends in the global market of iron and iron castings in the first quarter of the 21st century

Abstract

The analysis of the world market of iron and iron castings in 2002-2022 is presented. During the period from 2002 to 2022, the production of iron in the world grew at an average annual rate from 5.7 to 1.3%. An increase in the domestic consumption of iron by the producing countries was noted. The main consumers of cast iron are steel and cast iron production. The volumes of production, export, import, and consumption of cast iron compared to world GDP in 2002, 2012, and 2022 are shown. The top ten producers of cast iron in 2018 and 2022 are presented. Ukraine occupies the 12th position. A comparison of the dynamics of the production of iron and cast iron shows that during 2002-2021, the average annual growth rate of production of cast iron in the world was 4.0%, and that of cast iron was 2.0%. The ratings of the world manufacturers of iron castings in 2018 and 2021 were considered. The production of iron castings in the world is characterized by both increasing (2002-2011) and stable production (2012-2021). Today, cast iron remains the most widely used casting material. The main reasons for the long-lasting dominance of cast iron in a wide range of products are related to its mechanical and physical properties and its competitive price. If all ferrous alloys in the global foundry production make up more than 80%, then we are living in the Iron Age. The review provides two examples from the "cast iron world" that describe the development of centrifugal casting of high-strength cast iron pillars with lengths from 9 to 30 m and with a casting cycle time of up to 12 minutes for a base pillar. Such utility poles weigh less than wooden poles and are much lighter than concrete poles, have high fire resistance, withstand significant wind loads and have a service life of more than 75 years, surpassing both steel and wood. It was also noted that cast iron is actively used for the production of household utensils, with a projected increase in its output. Keywords: market, cast iron, cast iron castings, trends, production.