core sector communique

February 2011 crude steel production for the 64 countries reporting to worldsteel

 

Brussels, 21 March 2011 - World crude steel production for the 64 countries reporting to the World Steel Association (worldsteel) was 117 million metric tons (mmt) in February 2011. This is 8.8% higher than February 2010.

 

China’s crude steel production for February 2011 was 54.3 mmt, up 9.7% compared to February 2010. Japan produced 8.9 mmt of crude steel in February 2011, an increase of 5.7% compared to the same month last year. South Korea produced 5.0 mmt of crude steel in February 2011, 25.7% more than February 2010.

In the EU, Germany’s crude steel production for February 2011 was 3.7 mmt, an increase of 7.9% compared to February 2010. Italy’s crude steel production was 2.3 mmt, up 4.9% compared to the same month last year. Spain produced 1.4 mmt of crude steel in February 2011, an increase of 6.4% on February 2010.

 

Turkey’s crude steel production for February 2011 was 2.5 mmt, an increase of 35.5% compared to February 2010.

 

The US produced 6.6 mmt of crude steel in February 2011, 5.6% higher than February 2010.

 

Brazilian crude steel production in February 2011 was 2.7 mmt, an increase of 11.4% on February 2010.

 

The world crude steel capacity utilisation ratio of the 64 countries in February 2011 was 82.0%, a slight increase from the updated figure of 80.9% for January 2011. Compared to February 2010, the utilisation ratio in February 2011 is 2.7 percentage points higher.

 

Notes:

 

• 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 19 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.