According to the China Iron and Steel Association (CISA), in the period of mid-January (Jan. 11-20), the crude steel output of China reached 16.954 million mt, with an average daily output of 1.695 million mt, down 98,000 mt compared to the first 10 days of January. The decrease in crude steel production was mainly due to the overhaul programs carried out by some mills, the CISA said.
Also according to CISA data, as of January 20 the aggregate finished steel inventory of major domestic steel enterprises in China amounted to 7.722 million mt, marking an increase of 2.1 percent compared to the level recorded 10 days previously.
The CISA added that China's Spring Festival holiday would have a negative impact on the country's steel production.