Chinese Stainless Steel Production Share Gets Close to 50% of the World

According to the preliminary data report of International Stainless Steel Forum, the global stainless steel production in 2013 grew 7.8% to 38.1 million tons. Except for West Europe and Africa, all other regions showed increase margins.

The total stainless steel production in Asia (excluding China) in 2013 was 8.8 million tons, up 0.8% from last year. The difference of margins in the region was huge, with the increase margin of India reaching 5.4%, -3.7% for Taiwan and China, and the similar situation as in the 1st half for Japan and South Korea.

Chinese stainless steel production share continues to accumulate and is getting close to 50% of the global share. The total stainless steel production in 2013 grew 18% to 19 million tons (up 3.8% from last year).

The stainless steel production of West Europe and Africa declined 4.3% to 7.5 million tons. However, France and Belgium realized the growth of 5.1% and 4.6% while UK and Germany both faced 2-digit decline.

The stainless steel production in Americas and Central/East Europe is increasing fast. The production of Americas grew 3.6% to 2.5 million tons and the production of Central/East Europe grew 13.6% to 400 thousand tons.