core sector communique

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

Brussels, 20 September 2012 - World crude steel production for the 62 countries reporting to the World Steel Association (worldsteel) was 124 million tonnes (Mt) in August 2012, a decrease of -1.0% compared to August 2011.

China’s crude steel production for August 2012 was 58.7 Mt, down by -1.7% compared to August 2011.

Elsewhere in Asia, Japan produced 9.2 Mt of crude steel in August 2012, an increase of 3.3% compared to the same month last year. South Korea’s crude steel production for August 2012 was 5.7 Mt, up by 2.8% compared to August 2011.

In the EU, Germany produced 3.4 Mt of crude steel in August 2012, a decrease of -7.1% on August 2011. Italy’s crude steel production for August 2012 was 1.2 Mt, down by -15.5% compared to August 2011. In August 2012, Spain produced 1.0 Mt of crude steel, -10.3% lower than August 2011. France’s crude steel production for August 2012 was 1.0 Mt, a decrease of -7.2% on August 2011.

Turkey’s crude steel production for August 2012 was 3.0 Mt, an increase of 8.7% compared to August 2011.

In August 2012, Russia produced 5.8 Mt of crude steel, an increase of 1.8% compared to the same month last year. Ukraine’s crude steel production for August 2012 was 2.7 Mt, -13.5% less than August 2011.

The US produced 7.5 Mt of crude steel in August 2012, up by 1.2% on August 2011.

Brazil’s crude steel production for August 2012 was 2.8 Mt, down by -6.2% compared to August 2011.

The crude steel capacity utilisation ratio for the 62 countries in August 2012 declined to 75.5% from 79.4% in July 2012. Compared to August 2011, it is 3.2 percentage points lower.

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Note:

• 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.