Global Overview

Global Crude Steel Production ; Global Trade in Steel

Global Trade in Iron Ore ; Global Trade in Scrap

TRADE DATA 

ISSB maintains a fully detailed database of the imports and exports of steel and steelmaking raw materials for more than 50 major steelmaking nations, collectively accounting for 97% of global steel output.  This high level of coverage also allows an accurate assessment of the trade flows for those countries for which we cannot obtain national trade data.

Global Crude Steel Production

Despite the global recession 2009 saw global crude steel production fall just 8% to 1223 million tonnes with 13% growth in China largely offsetting and average 21% fall in the rest of the world.  Indian production was up 3% in 2009 with Iranian production up 9%.  Global BOS production was down just 4%, with Chinese growth of 14% countering a 23% fall across the rest of the world while EAF production fell 16% globally, despite growth of 6% in China.

All major producing regions showed falls in 2009 with the biggest falls hitting the most highly developed nations.  EU27 down 30%, Non-EU Europe down 8%, CIS down 18%, NAFTA down 34%, South America down 20% (Africa down 11%, Middle East up 1% and Oceania down 29%).  Asian output including China was up 3%. 

January-May 2010 saw global output total 586 million tonnes, 30% up on the same 2009 period.  Even steady production at this rate through the remainder of 2010 would see global production exceed the 2007 record.  

Below we summarise World Steel Association crude steel production data.  

Global Trade in Steel

Exporters 
China was the world's largest steel exporter from 2006 to 2008 but dropped to 5th largest exporter in 2009 with shipments down 61% on 2008.  Combined shipments of steel mill products (semis, long & flat products, tubes) by the top ten steel exporting nations (accounting for approximately 83% of all trade), reached a 2008 peak in Quarter 3 of 72.5 million tonnes before dropping to 50.9 million tonnes in the fourth Quarter. 2009 saw trade levels stage a partial recovery with combined exports by the top ten back up to 57.4 million tonnes by Quarter 4. The first Quarter of 2010 saw the top 10 steel exporting nations ship a combined 55.5 Mt slightly below the level of the preceeding quarter but up by 29% on the January to March 2009 period.

Importers
The big three steel importers of recent times, EU27, USA and South Korea saw import levels slashed during 2009.  EU27 and US imports both halved, with South Korean imports down 29%.  China was the world's biggest steel importer in 2009 with imports 43% higher than in 2008.  Exports to Vietnam, Iran and India increased, while those to the UAE fell 57%

If you want to know more about steel exports or imports please either contact or use our NEW on-line Trade Enquiry System.

Global Trade in Steelmaking Raw Materials

Global Trade in Iron Ore  

Iron ore exports are dominated by Australia and Brazil, with demand dominated by Chinese imports. Global BOS production fell just 4% in 2009 with growth of 13% in China countering a 23% fall across the rest of the world. Moreover 2009 saw Chinese imports of iron ore increase 41% on 2008 to 381 million tonnes, as the contribution from domestic mines fell. Despite the other major iron ore importers recording reduced imports this surge in Chinese import demand was sufficient to see 2009 total export levels reach record levels, up 8% on 2008. 
Reflecting demand for iron ore in their respective market mix 2009 saw Australian exports rise 23% to 381 million tonnes, while Brazilian exports fell back 6% to 266 million tonnes.

Available export data to Quarter 1 2010 shows exports by the top 7, together responsible for some 90% of trade, of 239 million tonnes, 24% up on the same 2009 period and a new quarterly record.  China imported 155 million tonnes of Iron Ore in Quarter 1 2010, 18% above the first Quarter 2009 but below the levels of Quarters 2-4.  

If you want to know more about iron ore exports or imports please either contact or use our NEW on-line Trade Enquiry System.

Global Trade in Scrap  

While 2009 saw EAF production fall 16% globally, despite growth of 6% in China, 2009 saw trade in scrap up 1% on 2008 at 68 million tonnes.  The biggest change amongst exporters was the continued decline of Russian exports, while Japanese exports rose 76% with the combination of low domestic and high Chinese demand.  Turkey remained the biggest importer, but only just, with Chinese imports up nearly four-fold. Exports to India rose 55%.  

If you want to know more about scrap exports or imports please either contact or use our NEW on-line Trade Enquiry System.