Chinese crude steel production climbed 7% from 43.4 million metric tonnes in April to 46.5 million tonnes in May. Net finished steel exports remained negative as finished exports declined from 1.41 million tonnes to 1.35 million tonnes and finished imports grew from 1.62 million tonnes to 1.65 million tonnes.
As a result, apparent finished steel consumption in China reached 44.9 million tonnes, its highest level ever recorded, compared to 41.9 million tonnes in April.
