Global first-quarter stainless output declines

Global stainless steel meltshop production declined -8% on-year in the first quarter to 11.7 million tonnes, according to International Stainless Steel Forum (ISSF) figures.

Output declined in all regions, with the US recording the steepest fall of -10.9% to 627,000t. Europe saw output fall -6.3% to 1.78mt, while in China it declined -9% to 6.08mt and in Asia without China and South Korea by -3.8% to 1.89mt.

Compared to Q4 2019, global stainless output fell -6% in Q1. However, it rose 13.1% and 9.1% in Europe and the US respectively.

The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR)’s Stainless Steel & Special Alloys Division revealed in last month’s webinar that global stainless steel demand is expected to slump -12% on-year in Q2 to 11.9mt.