Construction costs are currently skyrocketing

In the fourth quarter, crude steel production in Europe is expected to decrease by 1.5 million tons compared to the previous year. This is a decline of about 17% compared to the previous year. According to Bloomberg, citing a representative of ArcelorMittal. ArcelorMittal will shut down its plants in Hamburg and Bremen in the coming days, as well as one each in Spain and Portugal.

But one can speculate as to why this is the case. I work in this industry. I know the guys from Arcelor well. Energy is one thing, demand is another. Currently, there are rather cautious purchases of steel due to the uncertain energy situation in all sectors. Large customers such as automotive and the yellow industry (construction) are currently operating on sight. No one wants to stockpile a lot of semi-finished goods for a lot of money only to not be able to use them. Automotive expects a slight decline from next year because citizens have to invest money in energy and do not have money for a new car.

One can speculate why this is the case here. I work in this industry. I know the guys from Arcelor well. Energy is one thing, demand is another. Currently, steel purchases are rather cautious due to the uncertain energy situation in all areas. Large consumers like automotive and yellow industry (construction) are currently taking a wait-and-see approach. Nobody wants to lay down a lot of semi-finished products for expensive money only to not be able to use them. Automotive expects a slight decline from next year because consumers have to invest money in energy and have no money for a new car.

Automotive is probably just as forward-looking with steel as with chip orders during the "Corona crisis" [Irony off] However: I also expect the European automotive industry to produce significantly! less. But that is because China (among others) as a market has collapsed (no more combustion engines). And of course the aforementioned chips for control units (or door locks) are still missing. If supply chain stability is not restored (and who expects that by when?) one MUST rebuild local warehouses again (like "in the old days"). But I’m just an amateur, what do I know :D

Had the first kitchen planning today. Nobilia in country house style. L-shape with island and Bora cooktop. 25k euros. I almost fell off my chair. O.o Our Nobilia from 2 years ago was bigger and cost under 20k.

We had our first kitchen planning today. Nobilia in country house style. L-shape with island and Bora cooktop. 25k euros. I almost fell off my chair. o_O
Our Nobilia from 2 years ago was bigger and cost less than 20k.

Also make sure to choose appliances that they actually have or that can be proven to be delivered on time. Or get them yourself directly and store them somewhere.

Our kitchen was ordered in January and installed at the beginning of June. The cooktop and the oven are still missing.

Last week the extractor hood arrived...

Are there current figures from the Rhein-Main region in xxxx€/sqm for mid to high standard, let's say around 145sqm of living space?

Had the first kitchen planning today. Nobilia in country house style. L-shape with island and Bora cooktop. 25k euros. I almost fell off my chair. O.o
Our Nobilia from 2 years ago was bigger and cost under 20k.

I have meanwhile learned never to buy a kitchen from a kitchen studio without their own carpenter or joiner.

I just ordered a new small L-shaped kitchen for the office, and you can cleverly build around such a stupid steel support with a small customized cabinet. We are a bit over the initially planned budget with now 4.5k, but measurement, installation, etc. is all included.
I will provide a photo once it’s finished.