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Fitch Ratings has commented that despite an expected decline in 2009 iron and steel selling prices, as well as declining worldwide steel production, credit ratings and Outlooks of iron and steel producers in Brazil, China, and the CIS remain relatively stable, particularly in relation to their peers in developed markets. In its special report titled, "Emerging Market Iron & Steel: Surviving the Downturn", the agency compares how declining iron ore prices in this downturn will likely impact miners and steel producers, considering their different business profiles, and examines the impact on their credit profiles and ratings.

China dominates the global aluminium industry accounting for one third of both world production and world consumption of primary aluminium. While China is self sufficient in aluminium metal and approaching self sufficiency in alumina, dependence on imported bauxite remains high despite rising output. However, power supply issues and high costs of production could result in declining production in the longer term and the possibility that China will become a net importer of primary aluminium.

China consumed 31.47 million metric tons of oil in April, up a strong 4% from the corresponding month of 2008, a Platts analysis of official data showed May 21.

The Abraham Energy Report issued its summer outlook for gasoline supplies and prices, forecasting the national price of all grades of gasoline in the U.S. could average $2.30 per gallon for the summer driving season as a whole and hit $2.40 per gallon during peak-demand periods.

Himfr.com discusses the iron ore market. This year the demand for domestic iron ore is not optimistic and will be down from last year. China's iron ore imports this year will also be reduced.

As sustainable consumption and production, ecodesign, ecolabelling and energy efficiency objectives top the EU's legislative agenda, a Europe-wide survey commissioned by the European Aluminium Association (EAA)has revealed widespread support for the aluminium industry, with 84% of the respondents viewing aluminium as a vital resource for the future and over three quarters (77%) believing that it is vital to maintain aluminium production in Europe.

China consumed 31.26 million metric tons of crude oil in March, down a minor 0.25% from the corresponding month of 2008, a Platts analysis of official data showed April 22.

Crude oil is one of the main energy sources of the EU, and is likely continue to be for several decades. The Commission estimates that in 2030, European demand will be one third higher than it was in 2006, which is of concern as demand was already outstripping supply in 2006. Therefore, the European Parliament is calling on Member States to maintain minimum stocks of crude oil as a barrier to protect against any unexpected cuts in supply.

The 12 members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) pumped an average 27.98 million barrels per day (b/d) in March, as the oil producer group continued its efforts to slash oversupply and prevent oil prices falling further, according to a Platts survey of OPEC, oil industry officials and analysts just released. This is down 90,000 b/d down from February's 28.07 million b/d.

The 12 members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) pumped an average 28.07 million barrels per day (b/d) in February, as the oil producer club continued its efforts to slash oversupply and prevent oil prices falling further, according to a Platts survey of OPEC, oil industry officials and analysts just released. This is down 900,000 b/d down from January's 28.97 million b/d.