World crude steel sees reversal of declining trend

World crude steel production reached 1,607 mega, or million tonnes, during 2013, up by 3.5 per cent, which indicated a reversal of deceleration in the preceding two years. The growth rate in global steel production had dropped from 16 per cent in 2010, largely a bounce back from decline in the earlier two global meltdown-hit years, to 6.8 per cent in 2011 and 1.5 per cent in 2012. The growth in production during 2013, according World Steel Association (worldsteel) compilation, came mainly from Asia and Middle East while crude steel production in all other regions decreased in 2013 compared to 2012.

Annual steel production in Asia was 1,081 million tonnes, an increase of 6.0 per cent compared to 2012. The region’s share of world steel production increased slightly from 65.7 per cent in 2012 to 67.3 per cent in 2013. China’s crude steel production reached 779 million tonnes, an increase of 7.5 per cent. China’s share of world crude steel production increased from 46.7 per cent in 2012 to 48.5 per cent. Japan produced 110.6 million tonnes (+3.1 per cent) and South Korea 66 million tonnes (-4.4 per cent).

Crude steel production in EU (165.6 million tonnes) recorded a decrease of 1.8 per cent; in North America steel production (119.3 million tonnes) declined 1.9 per cent and in CIS (108.9 million tonnes) 1.8 per cent. USA produced 87.0 million tonnes of crude steel, down by 2.0 per cent compared to 2012.Annual crude steel production in South America was 46.0 million tonnes (-0.8 per cent). Brazil produced 34.2 million tonnes in 2013, down by 1.0 per cent.

India Angle
Crude steel production in India increased 5.1 per cent to 81.2 million tonnes in calendar year 2013. The country, world’s fourth largest producer, has improved its rank from 8th in 2003 and is set to emerge as the second largest steel producer in the world, given per capita consumption of just around 51.7 kg, against world average of 202.7 kg and feverish capacity addition plans underway in the country. Crude steel capacity in the country is assessed to grow to 140 million, according to the 12th Plan document, from around 89 million tonnes in 2011-12, in accordance with demand projections.

The World Steel Association (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 per cent of world steel production.