Worldsteel reported crude steel production in China at 93.9 million metric tonnes, 1.5% higher than in June, 2020. Chinese crude steel production in the first six months of 2021 was 9.4% higher than in the same period last year.
Data from China’s General Administration of Customs show net finished steel exports (exports minus imports) in June at 5.2 million tonnes, 186% higher than in June, 2020. Net finished steel exports in the first six months of 2021 were 41% higher than in the first six months of 2020.
China produced 93.9 million tonnes in June, accounting for 56% of world output and rising 1.5% on June, 2020. In other parts of Asia, Indian production rose 21.4%, Japanese production increased 44.4%, and South Korean production rose 17.3%.
European Union (27) crude steel output rose 34.7% on last June following a 38.2% increase in Germany. North American production rose 45.2% with US output up 44.4%. Other significant changes compared to June, 2020 include a 11.4% increase in Russia, a 17.9% rise in Turkey, and a 45.2% increase in Brazil.
Based on reported imports licenses, US long products imports rose 83% from 187,000 short tons in June 2020 to 342,000 tons last month. Licenses indicate that the increase was mainly due to higher Wire Rod imports from India, Brazil, and Egypt. Rebar imports also rose significantly from Italy, Portugal and Mexico.
US long products imports in the first six months of 2021 were 18% higher than in the same period last year with the largest volumes rising for Wire Rod, Rebar, and All Other Structural Shapes.
Based on reported import licenses, US flat products imports rose 69% from 480,000 short tons in June 2020 to 810,000 tons last month. The increase was mostly due to higher hot roll imports from Canada, Japan, Turkey, and South Korea. Cold roll imports also rose significantly from Canada, Australia, Germany and Vietnam.
Flat products imports in the first six months of 2021 were 28% higher than in the same period last year. Imports of cut plate rose 39%, imports of hot roll increased 50%, imports of cold roll rose 6% and imports of hot dip galvanized rose 12%.
US flat products import licenses
January 2014 to June 2021
Short tons
Steel slab being cut in the casting process at ThyssenKrupp Bruckhausen from Worldsteel Image Library by worldsteel / Gregor Schläger
Worldsteel reported crude steel production in China at 99.5 million metric tonnes in May, 6.6% higher than in May 2020. Chinese crude steel production in the first five months of 2021 was 11% higher than in the same period last year.
Data from China’s General Administration of Customs show net finished steel exports (exports minus imports) in May at 4.1 million tonnes, 30% higher than in May 2020. Net finished steel exports in the first five months of 2021 were 27% higher than in the first five months of 2020.
China monthly crude steel production, 2006 to 2021
China produced 99.5 million tonnes in May, accounting for 57% of world output and rising 6.6% on May, 2020. In other parts of Asia, Indian production rose 46.9%, Japanese production increased 42.2%, and South Korean production rose 10.5%.
European Union (27) crude steel output rose 32.7% on last May following a 35.5% increase in Germany. North American production rose 47.7% with US output up 47.6%. Other significant changes compared to May, 2020 include a 42.4% increase in Turkey and a 40.1% increase in Brazil.
