Global crude steel production increases in October 2017

The 66 countries reporting to the World Steel Association (Worldsteel), Brussels, produced 145.3 million metric tons of crude steel in October 2017, a 5.9 percent increase compared with October 2016.

The crude steel capacity utilization ratio of the 66 countries in October 2017 was 73 percent, which is 3 percentage points higher than in October 2016. However, compared with September 2017, it is 0.6 percentage points lower.

The U.S. produced 7 million metric tons of crude steel in October 2017, an increase of 12 percent compared with October 2016.

At 72.4 million metric tons, China produced the most crude steel during October 2017. This was an increase of 6.1 percent compared with October 2016.

Japan produced 9 million metric tons of crude steel in October 2017, decreasing by 1 percent compared with October 2016 production.

India produced 8.6 million metric tons of crude steel in October 2017, a 5.3 percent increase compared with October 2016.

Turkey led crude steel production in the European Union in October at 3.3 million metric tons. This is an 11.1 percent increase over its October 2016 production. Italy produced 2.3 million metric tons of crude steel for the month, a 6.1 percent increase compared with October 2016. France’s 1.4 million metric tons produced in October 2017 were an increase of 1.6 percent compared with October 2016. Spain produced 1.3 million metric tons in October 2017, posting the greatest year-over-year increase in the EU of 11.9 percent.

Brazil’s crude steel production for October 2017 was 3 million metric tons, a 3.9 percent increase from October 2016.