Brussels, 20 November 2012 – World crude steel production for the 62 countries reporting to the World Steel Association (worldsteel) was 126 million tonnes (Mt) in October 2012, an increase of 1.3% compared to October 2011.
China’s crude steel production for October 2012 was 59.1 Mt, up by 6.0% compared to October 2011. Elsewhere in Asia, Japan produced 8.8 Mt of crude steel in October 2012, a decrease of -6.7% compared to the same month last year.
In the EU, Germany produced 3.7 Mt of crude steel in October 2012, a slight increase of 0.3% on October 2011. Italy’s crude steel production was 2.4 Mt, down by -10.4% compared to October 2011. France’s crude steel production was 1.3 Mt, a decrease of -7.2% on October 2011. Spain produced 1.1 Mt of crude steel, -15.6% lower than October 2011.
Turkey’s crude steel production for October 2012 was 2.9 Mt, a decrease of -6.9% compared to October 2011.
The US produced 6.9 Mt of crude steel in October 2012, down by -3.3% on October 2011.
Brazil’s crude steel production for October 2012 was 3.2 Mt, an increase of 7.7% compared to October 2011.
The crude steel capacity utilisation ratio for the 62 countries in October 2012 declined to 76.5% from 77.7% in September 2012. Compared to October 2011, it is 1.4 percentage points lower.
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Note:
• The monthly crude steel capacity utilisation ratio is calculated based on crude steel production and capacity information available at worldsteel. The capacity information is based on publicly-available data, updated twice a year and verified through worldsteel’s membership.
• The World Steel Association (worldsteel) is one of the largest and most dynamic industry associations in the world. worldsteel represents approximately 170 steel producers (including 17 of the world’s 20 largest steel companies), national and regional steel industry associations, and steel research institutes. worldsteel members represent around 85% of world steel production.