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

Brussels, 22 October 2012 – World crude steel production for the 62 countries reporting to the World Steel Association (worldsteel) was 124 million tonnes (Mt) in September 2012, recording no change compared to September 2011.

World crude steel production for the 62 reporting countries was 1,149 Mt in the first nine months of 2012, an increase of 0.6% compared to the same months of 2011. Asia produced 748.6 Mt of crude steel in the first nine months of 2012, an increase of 1.5% compared to the same period of 2011. The EU produced 129.6 Mt of crude steel in the first three quarters of 2012, down by -4.6% compared to the same period of 2011. The C.I.S produced 84.7 Mt of crude steel in the first nine months of 2012, up by 0.3% compared to the same period of 2011. North America’s crude steel production in the first nine months of 2012 was 92.8 Mt, 3.9% higher than the first nine months of 2011. South America produced 35.1 Mt of crude steel production in the first three quarters of 2012, down by -4.7% compared to the same period of 2011.

China’s crude steel production for September 2012 was 58.0 Mt, up by 0.6% compared to September 2011.

Elsewhere in Asia, Japan produced 8.8 Mt of crude steel in September 2012, a decrease of -1.0% compared to the same month last year. South Korea’s crude steel production for September 2012 was 5.6 Mt, up by 1.8% compared to September 2011.

In the EU, Germany produced 3.6 Mt of crude steel in September 2012, a decrease of -2.2% on September 2011. Italy’s crude steel production for September 2012 was 2.4 Mt, down by -7.8% compared to September 2011. France’s crude steel production for September 2012 was 1.3 Mt, a decrease of -3.0% on September 2011. In September 2012, Spain produced 1.2 Mt of crude steel, -10.3% lower than September 2011.

Turkey’s crude steel production for September 2012 was 3.0 Mt, an increase of 1.9% compared to September 2011.

In September 2012, Russia produced 6.2 Mt of crude steel, an increase of 15.1% compared to the same month last year. Ukraine’s crude steel production for September 2012 was 2.7 Mt, -8.3% less than September 2011.

The US produced 7.0 Mt of crude steel in September 2012, down by -3.0% on September 2011.

Brazil’s crude steel production for September 2012 was 2.8 Mt, down by -0.4% compared to September 2011.

The crude steel capacity utilisation ratio for the 62 countries in September 2012 rose to 77.7% from 75.5% in August 2012. Compared to September 2011, it is 2.5 percentage points 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 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.