Crude Steel Output Rises by 3% to 54.76 Million Tons, Apr-Sep 2012

National crude steel production in April-September 2012 increased by 2.7% from the previous year to 54.76 million tons, the Japan Iron and Steel Federation announced on 18th. On an annually adjusted basis, it is 109.5 million tons, and it exceeds 106.46 million tons in fiscal 2011 because demand for automobile field keeps high level due to a reaction from an decrease caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake and Thailand’s most severe floods, effects by government subsidies for eco-friendly car purchases and recovery in construction field. In the second half, it is expected production in construction field to rise, but production pace might slow down because it for automobile pass a peak and environment in Asia market that is export destination of steel material, also is getting worse.