Ann Joo among steel players benefiting from safeguard duties for import of bars and rods

Malaysia Steel Works Bhds plant in Bukit Raja, which is currently undergoing upgrading plans that would be completed by the third quarter of 2007.

A CONFLUENCE of factors impacting the steel sector could result in stronger earnings for some players while negatively impacting the outlook of others.

First is iron ore prices, which have fallen by some 30% last month. This means steel producers that use iron ore as their key raw materials should directly benefit.