Brussels, 20 March 2013 – World crude steel production for the 63 countries reporting to the World Steel Association (worldsteel) was 123 million tonnes (Mt) in February 2013, an increase of 1.2% compared to February 2012.
China’s crude steel production for February 2013 was 61.8 Mt, up by 9.8% compared to February 2012. Elsewhere in Asia, Japan produced 8.3 Mt of crude steel in February 2013, down by -3.4% compared to the same month last year. South Korea’s crude steel production was 5.0 Mt in February 2013, a decrease of -8.5% over February 2012.
In the EU, Germany produced 3.4 Mt of crude steel in February 2013, a decrease of -3.7% on February 2012. Italy’s crude steel production was 2.1 Mt, down by -15.0% compared to February 2012. France’s crude steel production was 1.3 Mt, a decrease of -0.8% on February 2012. Spain produced 1.2 Mt of crude steel, -1.7% lower than February 2012.
Turkey’s crude steel production for February 2013 was 2.7 Mt, a decrease of -3.9% compared to February 2012.
The US produced 6.7 Mt of crude steel in February 2013, down by -11.8% on February 2012.
In February 2013, Brazil produced 2.6 Mt of crude steel production, a decrease of -6.2% compared to the same month last year.
The crude steel capacity utilisation ratio for the 63 countries in February 2013 rose to 80.5% from 76.7% in January 2013. Compared to February 2012, it is 0.8 percentage point lower.
• 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 16 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.