core sector communique

PRESS RELEASE November 2009 crude steel production figures Brussels, 21 December 2009 – World crude steel production for the 66 countries reporting to the World Steel Association (worldsteel) was 107.5 million metric tons (mmt) in November 2009. This is 24.2% higher than November 2008. November 2009 is the third month in a row showing a positive year-on-year growth rate since September 2008. Most major steel-producing countries showed an increase in crude steel production in November 2009 compared to the same month last year. China’s crude steel production for November 2009 was 47.3 mmt, 37.4% higher than November 2008. Elsewhere in Asia, Japan produced 8.9 mmt of crude steel in November 2009, up by 0.5% compared to the same month last year. South Korea showed an increase of 7.5% from November 2008, producing 4.3 mmt of crude steel in November 2009. In the EU, Germany’s crude steel production was 3.5 mmt in November 2009, an increase of 8.0% from November 2008. Italy produced 1.9 mmt in November 2009, down by -17.2% from November 2008. Russia’s crude steel production for November 2009 was 5.3 mmt, an increase of 42.6% compared to November 2008. Ukraine produced 2.7 mmt in November 2009, 67.1% higher than the same month last year. Turkey produced 2.1 mmt of crude steel in November 2009, an 18.3% increase from November 2008. The US produced 6.0 mmt of crude steel in November 2009, an increase of 26.9% compared to the same month last year. Brazil’s crude steel production in November 2009 was 2.7 mmt, 15.1% higher than November 2008. Total crude steel production in the 66 reporting countries for the first 11 months of 2009 was 1,090 mmt, a -10.8% decrease over the same period of 2008. The world crude steel capacity utilisation ratio in November 2009 was 75.0%, a slight decline from 76.9% in October 2009. Compared to November 2008, the utilisation ratio in November 2009 increased by 10.4 percentage points. # Ends #   Notes to Editors: The World Steel Association (worldsteel) is one of the largest and most dynamic industry associations in the world. worldsteel represents approximately 180 steel producers (including 18 of the world's 20 largest steel companies), national and regional steel industry associations, and steel research institutes. worldsteel members produce around 85% of the world's steel. 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.