Relative positioning: Magnesia producers adjust to new industry conditions

摘要

Magnesia consumption is linked to a handful of generally steady end markets. As a key refractory mineral, its usage is correlated to steel and cement manufacturing, while as an ingredient in markets ranging from flame retardants and water treatment to human medicine and animal feed, small but stable annual demand volumes keep the industry ticking over. Despite resting on well-established core markets, companies producing magnesia face challenges - not least in boosting margins, when their principal customer, the steel industry, is experiencing flat demand.