Annual statistics published by the International stainless steel forum (ISSF) shows global stainless steel production in 2012 increased by 5.2% to a record high of 35.4 million tonnes.
China increased its output of the metal by 14.2% to 16.1 million tonnes, which accounted for nearly 50% of global volumes. Production in other Asian countries in 2012 decreased by 0.6% to 8.7 mln t. the Production of stainless steel in Japan and Taiwan fell by 2.5% and 7.8% respectively, while South Korea and India during the year increased their indicators by 0.5% and 5.3%, respectively.
The EU and Africa together has issued 7,829 million tons of stainless steel, which is 0.7% less compared to the 7,883 million tonnes produced in 2011. The issue in Central and Eastern Europe fell by 8.2% yoy. Total stainless steel production in the Americas in 2012 amounted to 2,368 million tons with a decrease of 4.7% compared to 2486 million tonnes, released in 2011.
Thus, Asian countries now account for almost 70% of the world production of stainless steel, and the leader is China.
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