core sector communique

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

Brussels, 20 June 2011- World crude steel production for the 64 countries reporting to the World Steel Association (worldsteel) was 130 million metric tons (mmt) in May 2011. This is 4.2% higher than in May 2010.

China’s crude steel production for May 2011 was 60.2 mmt, up 7.8% compared to May 2010. Japan produced 9.0 mmt of crude steel in May 2011, a decrease of -7.0% compared to the same month last year. South Korea produced 5.9 mmt of crude steel in May 2011, 12.8% more than in May 2010.

In the EU, Germany’s crude steel production for May 2011 was 4.1 mmt, an increase of 1.1% compared to May 2010. Italy’s crude steel production was 2.6 mmt, up 6.9% compared to the same month last year. Spain produced 1.6 mmt of crude steel in May 2011, down -5.5% over May 2010.

Brazil’s crude steel production for May 2011 was 3.3 mmt, an increase of 14.7% compared to May 2010.

The US produced 7.3 mmt of crude steel in May 2011, 0.1% higher than in May 2010.

Iran crude steel production in May 2011 was 1.1 mmt, an increase of 4.5% on May 2010.

In May 2011, the world crude steel capacity utilisation ratio of the 64 countries was 81.7%, 0.6 percentage points lower than in April 2011. Compared to May 2010, the utilisation ratio is 0.6 percentage points lower.

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 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.