The most recent data released by the China Special Steel Enterprises Association’s Stainless Steel Council (SSC) indicates that the country’s stainless steel output during the first quarter of the year jumped 15% in comparison with the previous year.
According to SSC data, the country’s stainless steel production totaled 5.08 million tons during the period from January to March this year, 15.4% higher when compared with the production during the corresponding three-month period in 2013.
The output of 300 series stainless steel totaled 2.61 million tons, 22.3% higher when compared with the previous year. The output of 200 series stainless steel recorded 4.2% growth over the previous year to total 1.35 million tons during Jan-Mar this year. The production of 400 series stainless steel surged 15.2% over the year to touch 1.13 million tons.
The country’s stainless steel exports during the quarter totaled 811,000 tons, higher by 13.4% year-on-year.
The apparent domestic steel consumption by the country totaled 3.88 million tons during the three month period from January to March this year, 16.6% higher when compared with the consumption during the similar three-month period last year.
