core sector communique

September 2011 crude steel production for the 64 countries reporting to worldsteel Brussels, 21 October 2011 - World crude steel production for the 64 countries reporting to the World Steel Association (worldsteel) was 124 million metric tons (mmt) in September 2011. This is 9.7% higher than September 2010. In the first nine months of 2011, Asia produced 728.3 mmt of crude steel, an increase of 9.5% compared to the same period of 2010. The EU produced 135.7 mmt of crude steel in the first three quarters of 2011, up by 4.3% compared to the same period of 2010. North America’s crude steel production in the first nine months of 2011 was 89.3 mmt, 6.1% higher than the first nine months of 2010. China’s crude steel production for September 2011 was 56.7 mmt, an increase of 16.5% compared to September 2010. Elsewhere in Asia, Japan produced 8.9 mmt of crude steel in September 2011, a decrease of -3.8% compared to the same month last year. South Korea’s crude steel production for September 2011 was 5.5 mmt, 17.7% up compared to September 2010. In the EU, Germany’s crude steel production for September 2011 was 3.7 mmt, an increase of 10.3% on September 2010. Italy produced 2.6 mmt of crude steel in September 2011, 11.5% higher than September 2010. France produced 1.3 mmt of crude steel in September 2011, 4.2% up compared to September 2010. Turkey produced 3.0 mmt of crude steel in September 2011, 16.9% higher than September 2010. The US produced 7.2 mmt of crude steel in September 2011, an increase of 8.9% compared to September 2010. Brazilian crude steel production for September 2011 was 2.8 mmt, 3.8% higher than September 2010. The world crude steel capacity utilisation ratio of the 64 countries in September 2011 rebounded slightly to 79.1%, 1.8 percentage points higher than in August 2011. Compared to September 2010, the utilisation ratio in September 2011 increased by 3.5 percentage points. # Ends # 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 18 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.