Global Crude Steel Output Falls in November

(MENAFN) Worldwide crude steel manufacturing collapsed by 4.6% year-over-year in November, reaching 140.1 million tons, driven primarily by a severe 10.9% contraction in Chinese output, fresh figures from the World Steel Association disclosed Tuesday.

China, dominating global steel markets, witnessed production plummet to 69.9 million tons during the month, the statistics revealed.

Japan experienced a 1.6% decrease, with output sliding to 6.8 million tons in November, whereas the United States registered a robust 8.5% surge to an identical 6.8 million tons.

Germany's manufacturing capacity contracted 2.6%, settling at 2.8 million tons last month, while South Korea recorded a 4.8% decline to 5 million tons.

Conversely, Türkiye demonstrated resilience, posting a 10% annual increase in crude steel manufacturing throughout November, reaching 3.3 million tons.

November also brought modest gains for Brazil, where production edged upward 0.7% to 2.8 million tons, alongside Iran, which saw a 9.2% climb to 3.4 million tons.

Examining the broader timeline, worldwide crude steel manufacturing from January through November contracted 2% compared to the corresponding 2024 window, totaling 1.662 billion tons.

Throughout this eleven-month span, China's output tumbled 4% to 891.7 million tons, coinciding with Beijing's declaration of forthcoming licensing requirements for steel shipments abroad.

The Chinese Commerce Ministry unveiled plans December 12 to establish a licensing framework governing steel exports commencing in 2026, a strategic pivot widely interpreted as addressing international criticism—particularly from Europe—regarding underpriced Chinese steel and the nation's excessive production capacity.

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