Global stainless crude steel output up by 10.4% in 2003

Global stainless crude steel output up by 10.4% in 2003

Based on the data released by International Stainless Steel Forum (ISSF), global stainless crude steel output amounted to 22.8 million mts in 2003, up by 10.4% when compared with 20.7 million mts in 2002. Asia was the largest stainless steel producing region in 2003. Asian production soared by 17.6% to 10.6 million mts in the aforementioned period. The biggest producer in the region is still Japan with 4.1 million mts. Production of stainless crude steel in China grew by more than 56% in 2003. According to the Chinese Council of Specialty Steel Enterprises, China produced 1.8 million mts of stainless steel in 2003. In 2003, Western Europe/Africa was the second largest region in producing stainless crude steel. Total output increased by 4.2% to 8.4 million mts. Production of stainless crude steel in the Americas reached 2.9 million mts in 2003, up by 3.7% compared to 2002. US and Cuba indicated flat production figures. Central and Eastern Europe indicated a significant growth in the consumption of stainless steel. In 2003, combined output in this region soared by 10% to 300'000 mts.The main producers were Russia and Slovenia in this region.