Chinese crude steel production climbed 6% from 46.46 million metric tonnes in May to 49.43 million tonnes in June. This is 5% higher than June 2008 production. Net finished steel exports remained marginally negative. After declining every month since December 2008, finished steel exports rose 6% to 1.43 million tonnes.
Apparent domestic consumption continued to rise to record levels reaching 47.26 million tonnes in June, 17% higher than June 2008 consumption.