Steel Production Ex-China Returns To Contraction

By Jeffrey Landsberg


As we discussed in Commodore Research's most recent Weekly Executive Report, global steel production totaled approximately 141.8 million tons in February.  This is down month-on-month by 5.5 million tons (-4%) and is down year-on-year by 2.9 million tons (-2%).  Steel production ex-China totaled approximately 65.7 million tons.  This is down month-on-month by 6.3 million tons (-9%), is down year-on-year by 100,000 tons, and is the smallest amount produced since 2023.

Steel production ex-China had previously grown on a year-on-year basis for seven straight months (before that period, it had contracted during eight of the prior ten months).

Taking India out of the equation, production also reverted back to a contraction.  Steel production ex-Chin/India contracted on a year-on-year basis last month by 1 million tons (-2%).  Previously, it grew year-on-year for four straight months. Indian steel production totaled 13.6 million tons last month.  This is down month-on-month by 1.5 million tons (-10%) but is up year-on-year by 900,000 tons (7%).  India’s steel production has grown year-on-year for thirty-six straight months. 

 

Indian steel production totaled 13.6 million tons last month.  This is down month-on-month by 1.5 million tons (-10%) but is up year-on-year by 900,000 tons (7%).  India’s steel production has grown year-on-year for thirty-six straight months.