Global crude steel output rises 4% to all-time high of 1,951 mnt in CY2021: WSA

Global crude steel output tracked by the World Steel Association (WSA) hit an all-time in CY2021 at 1,951 million tonnes (mnt), up by 4% compared to 1,879 mnt in the corresponding period last year.

The average growth rate rose to 3.8% per annum (pa) in 2020-2021 from 3% pa in 2015-2020.

China, India and Japan major steel producing countries

The world's top steel producing nation, China, recorded a decline in crude steel output by 3% y-o-y to 1,032.8 mnt in CY2021 from 1,064.7 mnt in CY2020.

India, the second largest steel producing nation, recorded a sharp increase in its output to 118.2 mnt in CY2021, up 18% in contrast with 100.3 mnt seen in the year-ago period.

Japan, the third largest steel producer, too, reported a significant growth of 16% y-o-y in crude steel output. In CY2021, output stood at 96.3 mnt versus 83.2 mnt in CY2020.

The United States' and Russia's crude steel production jumped 18% and 6% y-o-y to 85.8 mnt and 75.6 mnt respectively in CY2021.

China's Baowu Group tops steel producers' chart

The world's largest steel producing company, China's Baowu Group, recorded its production at 119.95 mnt in CY2021.

ArcelorMittal secured second position with 79.26 mnt, followed by Ansteel Group, Nippon Steel Corp and Shagang Group at 55.65 mnt, 49.46 mnt and 44.23 mnt respectively in CY2021.

Crude steel production by process in CY2021

China's crude steel production through the oxygen route stood at 89.4% and 10.6% through the electric route.

India's share through the oxygen route aggregated to 44.8% and the balance 55.2% through electric route.

Japan, on the other hand, produced 74.7% crude steel from the oxygen route and 25.3% from the electric route.

Steel production and use (geographical distribution) in CY2021

The world's total crude steel production stood at 1,951 mnt in CY2021, out of which, China enjoys the largest share at 52.9%, India at 6.1%, and Japan at 4.9%.

The EU enjoys 7.8% share of production and Russia, CIS and Ukraine, stand at 5.4% share.

'Other Asia', 'other Europe' and 'others' share in production and use stands at 8.1%, 2.7% and 6.1% respectively in CY2021.

Apparent finished steel consumption

The world's apparent steel consumption stood at around 1,834 mnt in CY2021. China led the charts with 51.9%, followed by India and Japan at 5.8% and 3.1% respectively in CY2021.