The forecast for direct-reduced iron ending stocks at manufacturers in the US shows a declining trend from 2024 through 2028, with values dropping each year. In 2023, the ending stocks stood at 138.45 thousand metric tons, marking the starting point for this decline. This represents a consistent year-on-year decrease: 3.5% from 2023 to 2024, then decreasing further by 3.5% annually through 2028. Overall, this trend suggests a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) decline of approximately 3.5% over the five-year period.
Potential future trends to monitor include advancements in production efficiency and shifts in demand for raw materials, which could impact inventory levels. Additionally, external factors like policy changes or technological innovations in raw steel manufacturing could further influence these stocks.