World crude steel production in June 2012

World crude steel production in the first six months of 2012 was 766.9 Mt, a slight increase of 0.9 % compared to the same period of 2011. North America and Asia showed an increase of 7.2 % and 1.6 % respectively (USA 8.4 % and China 1.8 %) while the EU (27) and South America recorded negative growth of -4.6 % and -3.5 % each. China’s crude steel production for June 2012 was 60.2 Mt, an increase of 0.6 % compared to June 2011.

Elsewhere in Asia, Japan produced 9.2 Mt of crude steel in June 2012, up by 3.5 % compared to the same month last year. South Korea’s crude steel production for June 2012 was 5.9 Mt, an increase of 4.3 % compared to June 2011.Elsewhere in Asia, Japan produced 9.2 Mt of crude steel in June 2012, up by 3.5 % compared to the same month last year. South Korea’s crude steel production for June 2012 was 5.9 Mt, an increase of 4.3 % compared to June 2011.

In the EU, Germany produced 3.7 Mt of crude steel in June 2012, a decrease of -4.0 % on June 2011. Italy’s crude steel production for June 2012 was 2.4 Mt, down by -7.9 % on June 2011. In June 2012, France produced 1.3 Mt of crude steel, down by -2.1% compared to June 2011. Spain’s crude steel production for June 2012 was 1.3 Mt, -8.8 % lower than June 2011.

World Steel Association, Brussels