Stronger Growth in Steel Production Outside of China

By Jeffrey Landsberg

As we discussed in Commodore Research's most recent Weekly Executive Report, global steel production totaled approximately 157.9 million tons in March.  This is up month-on-month by 4.5 million tons (3%) but is down year-on-year by 900,000 tons (-1%).  Steel production outside of China totaled approximately 73.5 million tons.  This is up month-on-month by 3.7 million tons (5%) and is up year-on-year by 1.4 million tons (2%).

Steel production ex-China has now increased on a year-on-year basis for two straight months.  Previously, it had contracted on a year-on-year basis for two straight months.

Taking India out of the equation, production grew year-on-year by 800,000 tons (1%).  Previously, production ex-China/India had contracted on a year-on-year basis for three straight months. 

 

India's own steel production totaled 14.1 million tons last month.  This is up month-on-month by 300,000 tons (2%) and is up year-on-year by 600,000 tons (4%).  Production has now grown on a year-on-year basis for thirty-nine straight months.