core sector communique

April 2012 crude steel production for the 62 countries reporting to worldsteel

Brussels, 21 May 2012 - World crude steel production for the 62 countries reporting to the World Steel Association (worldsteel) was 128 million tonnes (Mt) in April 2012, an increase of 1.2% compared to April 2011.

China’s crude steel production for April 2012 was 60.6 Mt, an increase of 2.6% compared to April 2011.

Elsewhere in Asia, Japan produced 9.1 Mt of crude steel in April 2012, up by 7.6% compared to the same month last year. South Korea’s crude steel production for April 2012 was 6.0 Mt, an increase of 2.1% compared to April 2011.

In the EU, Germany produced 3.6 Mt of crude steel in April 2012, a decrease of -5.5% on April 2011. Italy’s crude steel production for April 2012 was 2.4 Mt, down by -3.2% on April 2011. In April 2012, France produced 1.4 Mt of crude steel, a decrease of -1.8% compared to April 2011. Spain’s crude steel production for April 2012 was 1.3 Mt, down by -14.3% compared to the same month in 2011.

Turkey’s crude steel production for April 2012 was 2.9 Mt, an increase of 4.7% compared to April 2011.

The US produced 7.7 Mt of crude steel in April 2012, up by 9.3% on April 2011.

Brazil’s crude steel production for April 2012 was 3.0 Mt, -1.2% lower than April 2011.

The world crude steel capacity utilisation ratio for the 62 countries in April 2012 remained nearly unchanged at 81.1% compared to March 2012. It was 1.7 percentage points lower compared to April 2011.

Notes to Editors:

• 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 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.
• Megatonne (Mt) is a metric unit equivalent to 1 million tonnes.