Japanese crude steel out put in 2010 to highest in 43 years

Friday, 21 Jan 2011

Japanese crude steel output in 2010 jumped by 25% to nearly 110 million tonnes, the biggest rise in 43 years.

Crude steel output in December totalled 9.17 million tonnes, up 2.5%YoY for a 14th consecutive YoY rise. From the previous month, December output rose 2.1% MoM due in part to an extra day compared with November.

Officials at the Japan Iron and Steel Federation traced the rebound to greater demand from Japanese carmakers, whose sales received a boost from the subsidy buying program for environmentally friendly cars.

They also said exports to overseas markets, such as China and Southeastern Asian countries, remained robust.

(Sourced from Kyodo News)