core sector communique

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

Brussels, 21 November 2011 - World crude steel production for the 64 countries reporting to the World Steel Association (worldsteel) was 124 million metric tons (mmt) in October 2011. This is 6.2% higher than October 2010.

China’s crude steel production for October 2011 was 54.7 mmt, an increase of 9.7% compared to October 2010.

Elsewhere in Asia, Japan produced 9.5 mmt of crude steel in October 2011, a slight decrease of -0.3% compared to the same month last year. South Korea’s crude steel production for October 2011 was 6.1 mmt, 17.8% up compared to October 2010.

In the EU, Germany’s crude steel production for October 2011 was 3.7 mmt, a decrease of -4.2% on October 2010. Italy produced 2.7 mmt of crude steel in October 2011, 9.6% higher than October 2010. France produced 1.4 mmt of crude steel in October 2011, 2.8% up compared to October 2010.Turkey produced 3.1 mmt of crude steel in October 2011, 12.3% higher than October 2010.

The US produced 7.3 mmt of crude steel in October 2011, an increase of 11.5% compared to October 2010.

Brazilian crude steel production for October 2011 was 2.9 mmt, -2.7% lower than October 2010.

The world crude steel capacity utilisation ratio of the 64 countries in October 2011 declined to 76.5%, -2.2 percentage points down from September 2011. This was the lowest point of the year to date. Compared to October 2010, the utilisation ratio in October 2011 increased by 1.0 percentage points.

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 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.