The World Steel Association’s October 2011 short-range outlook predicts that worldwide apparent steel use, which it defines as steel deliveries from domestic producers and importers and not from inventories, will increase 6.5% to 1,398 million metric tons (mmt) in 2011, down from 15.1% growth last year. Global steel demand should grow 5.4% in 2012. China will have the most apparent steel use, growing 7.5% to reach 643.2 mmt in 2011 and 8.5% in 2012. The EU will maintain the second position, increasing apparent steel usage by 7.0% this year to reach 155.0 mmt and by 2.5% next year. The US will round out the top three, with its apparent steel use growing 11.6% in 2011 to reach 89.2 and 5.2% in 2012. India’s apparent steel use is expected to rise 4.3% this year to reach 67.7 mmt and 7.9% in 2012. Apparent steel use is slated to grow the fastest in 2011 in the Commonwealth of Independent States, soaring 14.4% to reach 55.6 mmt. It will grow 7.5% in 2012. Largely due to the earthquake, apparent steel use in Japan is projected to fall 2.7% this year. In 2012, Japan’s apparent steel use should grow 0.8% to 62.3 mmt.

Source: World Steel Association