core sector communique

Brussels, 20 July 2012 - World crude steel production for the 62 countries reporting to the World Steel Association (worldsteel) was 128 million tonnes (Mt) in June 2012, a decrease of -0.1% compared to June 2011. World crude steel production in the first six months of 2012 was 766.9 Mt, a slight increase of 0.9% compared to the same period of 2011. North America and Asia showed an increase of 7.2% and 1.6% respectively (USA 8.4% and China 1.8%) while the EU (27) and South America recorded negative growth of -4.6% and -3.5% each. China’s crude steel production for June 2012 was 60.2 Mt, an increase of 0.6% compared to June 2011. Elsewhere in Asia, Japan produced 9.2 Mt of crude steel in June 2012, up by 3.5% compared to the same month last year. South Korea’s crude steel production for June 2012 was 5.9 Mt, an increase of 4.3% compared to June 2011. Elsewhere in Asia, Japan produced 9.2 Mt of crude steel in June 2012, up by 3.5% compared to the same month last year. South Korea’s crude steel production for June 2012 was 5.9 Mt, an increase of 4.3% compared to June 2011. In the EU, Germany produced 3.7 Mt of crude steel in June 2012, a decrease of -4.0% on June 2011. Italy’s crude steel production for June 2012 was 2.4 Mt, down by -7.9% on June 2011. In June 2012, France produced 1.3 Mt of crude steel, down by -2.1% compared to June 2011. Spain’s crude steel production for June 2012 was 1.3 Mt, -8.8% lower than June 2011. Turkey’s crude steel production for June 2012 was 2.9 Mt, an increase of 4.0% compared to June 2011. The US produced 7.3 Mt of crude steel in June 2012, up by 0.8% on June 2011. Brazil’s crude steel production for June 2012 was 2.7 Mt, -8.5% lower than June 2011. The world crude steel capacity utilisation ratio for the 62 countries in June 2012 rose slightly to 80.4% from 79.7% in May 2012. Compared to June 2011, it was 2.5 percentage points lower. 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 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.