core sector communique

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

Brussels, 20 December 2011 - World crude steel production for the 64 countries reporting to the World Steel Association (worldsteel) was 116 million metric tons (mmt) in November 2011. This is 1.1% higher than November 2010.

China’s crude steel production for November 2011 was 49.9 mmt, a slight decrease of -0.2% compared to November 2010.

Elsewhere in Asia, Japan produced 8.7 mmt of crude steel in November 2011, a decrease of -3.2% compared to the same month last year. South Korea’s crude steel production for November 2011 was 5.8 mmt, 12.4% up compared to November 2010.

In the EU, Germany’s crude steel production for November 2011 was 3.5 mmt, a decrease of -10.0% on November 2010. Italy produced 2.6 mmt of crude steel in November 2011, 12.3% higher than November 2010. France produced 1.3 mmt of crude steel in November 2011, 4.2% up compared to November 2010.

Turkey produced 2.8 mmt of crude steel in November 2011, 12.8% higher than November 2010.

The US produced 7.2 mmt of crude steel in November 2011, an increase of 11.8% compared to November 2010.

Brazilian crude steel production for November 2011 was 2.7 mmt, 3.7% higher than November 2010.

The world crude steel capacity utilisation ratio of the 64 countries in November 2011 declined to 73.4%, -2.8 percentage points down from October 2011. This is its lowest point for two years. Compared to November 2010, the utilisation ratio in November 2011 decreased by -2.6 percentage points.

Notes to Editors:

• 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.