Crude steel production in China reversed its decline and climbed 7% to reach 37.8 million metric tonnes in December. December finished steel exports also grew by the same percentage to 3.2 million tonnes.
Crude steel production was 9% below its level in December 2007 and exports were 34% lower.
Full-year 2008 crude production rose by 2% over 2007 to 498 million tonnes while exports declined by 5% to 59 millions tonnes. Full-year finished steel production and consumption both grew by 3%.