China produced around 7.25 million tons of crude steel in the first nine months of the year, representing a 2.9% decline compared to the same period last year.
National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data showed China’s crude steel output was 73.59 million tons in September, slightly up by 0.1% year on year but down for a fourth consecutive month after reaching 84.36 million tons in May. Total annual production is expected to decline overall.
Pig iron production fell by 1.4% year on year in September to 65.3 million tons, with nine-month cumulative output down by 3.0% as blast furnace operators maintained production controls. Finished steel output dropped by 3.8% in September to 118.2 million tons, leading to a 2.0% nine-month decrease as steelmakers reduced rolling output to manage inventory risks amid weak downstream demand.