Crude steel production in Brazil
According to recent market reports, the crude steel production in Brazil during the month of October amounted to 2.51 million metric tons, down by 5.1% compared to 2.65 million metric tons recorded in the same period last year. The decline seen in crude steel production is in relation with the blast furnace relining at two mills. The crude steel production at CST's No. 1 blast furnace decreased to 260'000 tons per month from 400'000 tons per month . In addition, Usiminas has closed its No. 2 blast furnace for revamping. Accordingly, the mill's crude steel production reduced by 66'000 tons in October. Brazilian crude steel production reached to 25.9 million metric tons in the first ten months of 2003 with an increase of 6% compared to the same period last year. Pig iron production was 2.64 million metric tons in January-October period while rolled steel production amounted to 1.86 million metric tons. The production of flats and longs increased by 9.8% and 3.2% to 1.15 million metric tons and 713'800 tons respectively.