Account for the change in the spatial pattern of the Iron and Steel industry in the world.

The growth and production pattern of the iron and steel industry has undergone massive changes in the last few decades. The main producers of iron and steel are predominantly developing countries that have replaced their developed counterparts who held sway in the industry till recently. Since 1973, steel production in China has increased by 220%, making it the largest producer in the world. India, another developing country, has increased its production levels to meet the growing internal demand and is driven by the fact that India has the largest iron ore deposits in the world.

The change in the spatial pattern of this industry is linked to the change in patterns of consumption, production and exchange of goods and services. This is dependent on the spatial organization and location of economic, transportation and communication systems that produce and facilitate the trade of the concerned commodities. As production and manufacturing is concentrated in developing countries, especially China, the control of the iron and steel industries which provide the required raw material for the industries in developing countries is also being concentrated in the developing countries. Increased demand in countries like China, whose steel consumption has increased a whopping 300% since 1973, has also propelled these countries to increase production and expand exponentially. Also, countries like India are fast emerging as pioneers in techniques relating to production of iron and steel, thus further attributing to the changing and concentrated spatial pattern.

Topics: GS-I: Factors Responsible for the Location of Industries in Various Parts of World