Africa crude steel production increased by 4,1% year-on-year in the first half of 2023

According to the World Steel Association, global steel production in January-June 2023 decreased by 1.1% compared to the same period in 2022 – to 943.9 million tons (Mt).

African crude steel output increase is led by South Africa, Libya, and Tunisia increased by 4,1% during the first half of 2023 to 7,6 Mt. While the leading producer in the continent, Egypt, recorded minimal decline in crude steel output year-on-year, down by -0,5%. The major contributor to the increase in crude steel production was South Africa, up by 2,4 Mt, an increase by 14,0% year-on-year.  This is attributed to low crude steel production during May-June 2022 which was as a result of the Newcastle works reline.

During the first half of 2023 – Asia and Oceania produced 708.2 Mt, down 0,7%. The EU (27) produced 66.3 Mt, down 10,9%. Europe, Other produced 20.2 Mt, down 14,1%. The Middle East produced 23.0 Mt, up 3,0%. North America produced 54.8 Mt, down 3,5%. Russia & other CIS + Ukraine produced 43.3 Mt, down 3,4%. South America produced 20.4 Mt, down 7,0%.

In June 2023 global crude steel production was 158.8 million tonnes (Mt) in June 2023 compared to 158.9 Mt in June 2022.

SA produced 429,9 thousand tonne crude steel in June 2023, up by 4,8% compared to the previous month May 2023. This second consecutive month of increase in crude steel production.