core sector communique

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

Brussels, 20 June 2012 - World crude steel production for the 62 countries reporting to the World Steel Association (worldsteel) was 131 million tonnes (Mt) in May 2012, an increase of 0.7% compared to May 2011.

China’s crude steel production for May 2012 was 61.2 Mt, an increase of 2.5% compared to May 2011.

Elsewhere in Asia, Japan produced 9.2 Mt of crude steel in May 2012, up by 2.0% compared to the same month last year. South Korea’s crude steel production for May 2012 was 6.0 Mt, an increase of 2.0% compared to May 2011.

In the EU, Germany produced 3.7 Mt of crude steel in May 2012, a decrease of -9.7% on May 2011. Italy’s crude steel production for May 2012 was 2.6 Mt, down by -3.3% on May 2011. In May 2012, France produced 1.5 Mt of crude steel, up by 1.3% compared to May 2011. Spain’s crude steel production for May 2012 was 1.3 Mt, -13.9% lower than May 2011.

Turkey’s crude steel production for May 2012 was 3.1 Mt, an increase of 6.6% compared to May 2011.

The US produced 7.7 Mt of crude steel in May 2012, up by 7.4% on May 2011.

Brazil’s crude steel production for May 2012 was 2.9 Mt, -11.7% lower than May 2011.

The world crude steel capacity utilisation ratio for the 62 countries in May 2012 slid to 79.6% from 81.3% in April 2012. Compared to May 2011, it was 1.4 percentage points lower. During the past 18 months, the ratio was at its highest in April 2011 with 82.8% and the lowest ratio was in December 2011 with 70.7%.

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 per 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.

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