In 2012, Belgian crude steel production fell by nine percent year on year, amounting to 7.3 million mt, according to the Belgian Steel Federation (GSV). The country's crude steel production amounted to 1.75 million mt in the fourth quarter of the year, rising by nine percent year on year and down 1.6 percent compared to the third quarter. Belgium's crude steel output recorded slight decreases in the last three quarters of the year on quarter on quarter basis, while on year on year basis, the only increase was recorded in the fourth quarter.
Belgian hot rolled coil production amounted to 7.5 million metric tons last year, falling by 12 percent year on year, while its cold rolled coil production declined six percent year on year to 4.4 million metric tons. In the given period, Belgian steelmakers produced 3.6 million metric tons of coated sheets, up five percent year on year. Meanwhile, Belgium's stainless steel output stood at 1.2 million metric tons in 2012, remaining stable compared to 2011.