2011 could well see a record steel production of more than 1.5 billion tons of crude steel for the first time ever. Until June, the global production increased by respectable eight percent with China (10% plus) producing nearly half 8700 million tons) of the global steel output. The Chinese production thereby compensates the slower growth of steel production in Europe (plus 6%) and the U.S. (plus 5%). Japan and North Africa even saw production decreases, due to political turmoils and the tsunami catastrophe in spring thius year. Wether the demand for steel in the automotive industry, engineering and construction projects remains at its high level is doubtful, due to the recent situation of the world's economy.
(Picture: Picture: IKB)
1/11 Back to the Article