Global crude steel output up 15% in 2010

The following was released by the Brussels-based World Steel Association.

World crude steel production reached 1.4 billion tonnes – a new record – in 2010, representing a 15% increase compared to 2009. 

All the major steel-producing countries and regions showed double-digit growth in 2010. The European Union (EU) and North America had higher growth rates due to the lower base effect from 2009 while Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) recorded relatively lower growth. 

Last December, world crude steel production for the 66 countries reporting to the World Steel Association was 116.2 million tonnes, an increase of 7.8% compared to December 2009. The crude steel capacity utilization ratio of the 66 countries in December 2010 declined slightly to 73.8% compared to 75.2% in November. Compared to December 2009, the utilization ratio last December is 1.1 percentage points higher. 

Annual production for Asia was 897.9 million tonnes of crude steel in 2010, an increase of 11.6% compared to 2009. Its share of world steel production fell to 63.5% in 2010 from 65.5% in 2009. China’s crude steel production in 2010 hit 626.7 million tonnes, an increase of 9.3% on 2009. China’s share of world crude steel production declined from 46.7% in 2009 to 44.3% in 2010. Japan produced 109.6 million tonnes in 2010, 25.2% more than 2009. In 2010, South Korea’s crude steel production was 58.5 million tonnes, a 20.3% growth compared to 2009. 

The EU recorded an increase of 24.5% compared to 2009, producing 172.9 million tonnes of crude steel in 2010. However, crude steel production in the U.K. and Greece continued to decline last year. 

In 2010, crude steel production in North America was 111.8 million tonnes, an increase of 35.7% on 2009. The U.S. produced 80.6 million tonnes of crude steel, 38.5% higher than 2009. 

The CIS showed an increase of 11.2% in 2010, producing 108.5 million tonnes of crude steel. Russia churned out 67 million tonnes of crude steel, an 11.7% increase on 2009 and Ukraine recorded a jump of 12.4% with a year-end figure of 33.6 million tonnes.