EU27

Crude Steel Production ; Trade in Steel

Despite the growing industrialisation of the developing world the EU remains both a leading steel producing region and a major global market for steel.
ISSB’s database includes trade data covering steel and steel-making raw material for all the EU27 member nations at both 6 digit HS tariff code level and the more detailed 8 digit EU tariff code level.
In addition to having 100% coverage of EU27 nations ISSB holds national trade data for the following significant Non-EU European countries: Croatia, Serbia, Norway, Switzerland & Turkey.  These five countries account for 96% of crude steel produced in Europe outside of the EU and together with our 100% EU coverage ISSB data gives trade coverage for in excess of 99% of the steel produced within Europe as a whole.

Crude Steel Production

EU27 total crude steel production reached a peak in recent years in 2007 of 210 million tonnes. This represented an increase since 2000 of just 8%.  2008 saw production decrease by 6% and 2009 by 30% to leave EU27 production down by 28% on 2000 with the EU27’s share of global output having fallen from 23% in 2000 to 11% in 2009. However if one excludes the vast increase in Chinese steel output the EU’s share of global production has fallen much more modestly - from 27% in 2000 to 21% in 2009.
Below we summarise World Steel Association crude steel production data for the EU27.

Trade in Steel

EU27 Members Trade with the Rest of the World.

ISSB can assess the EU27’s trade in steel in a number of ways.  For example we can assess EU27 member states trade with countries outside of the EU. 2000-2005 saw EU27 external trade remain reasonably steady with the EU being a net exporter of steel mill products (semis, long & flat products, tubes). 2006 and 2007 saw EU imports from third countries increase significantly and even though imports across 2008 were down the EU was a significant net importer of steel over 2006-2008. In 2009 EU27 imports fell significantly further than exports with the result that the EU returned again to being a net steel exporter.

While latest data for the EU27 shows that both exports and imports are on the increase the EU27 remains in trade surplus in steel with the rest of the world.

EU27 Members Trade with all Countries  

ISSB can of course assess the trade of EU27 members with any combination of countries. Here, as an example, we summarise Germany’s trade balances in steel mill products over 2005-2009 covering it's trade with all countries.

EU27 Members Trade with Other EU Members.

ISSB can also assess the flows of steel within the EU and as an example we show below for 2008 the largest origin and destination nations for movements of steel between EU member states.

If you want to know more about the movements of steel and steel making raw materials involving European countries (both EU members and Non-EU members) please contact or use our NEW on-line Trade Enquiry System.