Global stainless steel output figures for 2004

Global stainless steel output figures for 2004

The International Stainless Steel Forum (ISSF) today disclosed that global stainless steel production amounted to 24.6 million metric tons in 2004, an increase of 7.5% year on year. Asia claimed the top spot as the largest stainless steel producing area in the world. Asia's total production rose 12% year on year to 11.9 million metric tons. Stainless steel production in China grew 33%. South Korea (18%) and India (11%) also showed strong increases in stainless steel production. Western Europe/Africa finished as the second largest stainless steel producing area. Total output in this area rose 4.1% year on year to 9.4 million metric tons in 2004. Strikes and adverse weather conditions negatively impacted production in the first quarter of 2004. Stainless steel production in Central and Eastern Europe totaled 343'000 metric tons in 2004. The region exhibited a strong increase in stainless steel consumption. On the other hand, domestic production failed to satiate this demand. The Americas' stainless steel production growth remained at 3.5% in 2004. Total output in 2004 was 2.9 million metric tons.