Italian crude steel output will increase by at least 10 percent in 2011, according to Giuseppe Pasini, chairman of Italian steelmakers association Federacciai, as reported by Italian news agency Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor.
In the first nine months of 2011, steel production in Italy increased by 11.3 percent compared to the same period of 2010, while the average increase in Europe did not exceed 4.3 percent, Pasini said, adding,as regards estimated Italian crude steel output for the current year, "We are looking at 28.5 million mt compared with 30.5 million mt in 2008, which we consider a pre-crisis year."
As regards next year, Mr. Pasini stated, "2012 will be difficult, both from in terms of production and finance. Lots of companies will complain of the difficulties experienced by the banking system."