African crude steel output ticks up in April

According to the World Steel Association, global crude steel production was 161.4 million tonnes (Mt) in April 2023, a 2,4% decrease compared to April 2022. Notably Africa produced 1.3 Mt in April 2023, up 4.8% on April 2022.

African crude steel output increase is led by South Africa, Libya and Tunisia. While the leading producer in the continent, Egypt, recorded minimal decline in crude steel output year-on-year, down by -0,7%. The major contributor to the increase in crude steel production was South Africa, up by 48,7 thousand tonne, an increase by 12,1% year-on-year. 

SA produced 452,5 thousand tonne crude steel in April 2023, up  by 5,3% compared to the previous month March 2023. This marks the highest output produced since September 2021 and the fourth consecutive month of increase in crude steel production since the beginning of 2023.

The EU (27) produced 11,1 Mt, down 11,7%. Europe, Other produced 3.5 Mt, down 17,3%. The Middle East produced 4.2 Mt, up 4,2%. North America produced 9.2 Mt, down 4,6%. Russia and other CIS + Ukraine produced 7.5 Mt, up 5,9%. South America produced 3.6 Mt, down 2,2%.