Chinese crude steel production dropped 9% from 51.8 million metric tonnes in October to 47.3 million tonnes in November. This is still 34% higher than November 2008 crude steel production.
Finished steel exports rose 5% to 2.85 million tonnes, continuing the climb started in June 2009 when exports were 1.43 million tonnes. November 2009 exports were 3% lower than November 2008’s, and 30% lower than November 2007’s. Net finished steel exports grew to 1.56 million tonnes and apparent domestic consumption fell 10% to 43.4 million tonnes.