Global stainless steel production increased by 8pct in 2013 - ISSF
The
International Stainless Steel Forum has released preliminary figures
for 2013 showing that stainless steel melt shop production increased by
7.8% to 38.1 million tonnes. With the exception of Western Europe and
Africa, all regions achieved positive growth.
Asia
excluding China recorded a production of 8.8 million tonnes during 2013
corresponding to a YoY increase of 0.8%. But growth throughout the
region ranged from +5.4% (India) to 3.7% (Taiwan, China). Production
levels in Japan and South Korea remained unchanged.
China
continues to expand its production share which is now approaching 50%.
Stainless steel production in China increased by +18% to 19 million
tonnes in comparison to 2012.
In
Western Europe and Africa, production decreased by -4.3% YoY to 7.5
million tonnes. The range varies from +5.1% and +4.6% in France and
Belgium to double digit negative values in the UK and Germany.
The
Americas and Central and Eastern Europe achieved positive growth.
Stainless steel production increased by 3.6% to 2.5 million tonnes in
the Americas and by 13.6% to 0.4 million tonnes in Central and Eastern
Europe YoY.
Source - Strategic Research Institute, Steel Guru
