Steel industry

Introduction :

The global metals industry is a mainstay of the world economy, providing the basic materials needed to manufacture a wide range of products, from automobiles to infrastructure to electronics. The industry is characterized by high demand, intense competition and constant technological advances.

Overview :

The global metals industry is large and diverse, covering the production of ferrous metals such as steel and cast iron, as well as non-ferrous metals such as aluminium, copper, zinc, lead, nickel and titanium, among others. The main segments of the industry include primary production, manufacturing and processing, and recycling.

Despite the challenges of volatile raw material prices, global competition and growing environmental concerns, the metals industry continues to grow, driven by global demand for infrastructure, vehicles, industrial equipment and technological applications.

We can see on this graphic:

In 2023, global steel production reached 165.1 million tonnes in March and 459.3 million tonnes for the first three months of the year. Compared to the previous year, there was a slight increase of 1.7% year-on-year (y/y) for the first quarter but a marginal decrease of 0.1% y/y for March specifically. However, there was a significant month-on-month (m/m) increase of 15.9% for March 2023.

Analyzing the top steel-producing countries for March 2023:

1. China remained the largest steel producer, with 95.7 million tonnes, experiencing a notable 6.9% y/y increase.

2. India followed with 11.4 million tonnes, showing a 2.7% y/y growth.

3. Japan produced 7.5 million tonnes, but experienced a decline of 5.9% y/y.

4. The USA produced 6.7 million tonnes, facing a 2.1% y/y decrease.

Market leaders (THE BIG 4) :

1. ArcelorMittal :

   - ArcelorMittal is the world's largest steel producer, resulting from the merger of Arcelor and Mittal Steel in 2006. Based in Luxembourg, the group operates in more than 60 countries and has an annual crude steel production capacity of more than 100 million tonnes.

2. China Baowu Steel Group :

   - China Baowu Steel Group is the largest steel producer in China and the second largest in the world. With assets across the steel value chain, including mining, smelting and rolling, Baowu has an annual crude steel production capacity of more than 90 million tonnes.

3. Nippon Steel Corporation:

   - Nippon Steel Corporation is a world leader in steel production, based in Japan. The company is renowned for its cutting-edge technology and high-quality products, with an annual production capacity of around 50 million tonnes of crude steel.

4. Rio Tinto:

   - Although mainly known for its activities in the mining sector, Spanish company Rio Tinto is also a major producer of non-ferrous metals such as aluminium, copper and iron ore. The company operates in several countries around the world and plays a key role in the global metals supply chain.

I Article:

https://worldsteel.org/climate-action/climate-change-and-the-production-of-iron-and-steel/#:~:text=In%202020%2C%20on%20average%2C%20every,between%207%25%20and%209%25.

This article is about Steel, vital for our daily lives and sustainability, is linked with climate action and the circular economy. Despite its CO2 emissions, the industry pledges to reduce its environmental impact:

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