Crude Steel Output by Africa Witnessed Notable Dip

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The crude steel production by countries in the African region recorded notable decline during the initial month of the current year. This is at a time when global output posted marginal surge by 2.1%.

According to monthly production statistics published by the World Steel Association (worldsteel), the African region recorded montly production of 1.038 million tonnes (Mt) in January 2020, down significantly by 18.4% from the same month a year before. The regional output had totalled 1.272 Mt in January 2019.

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Egypt, the region’s largest steel producer reported reduced output during the year. The Egyptian crude steel output totalled 575,000 tonnes. The country’s output dropped by over 20% compared with the prior year output of 722 tonnes.

South Africa continued to be the second largest producer in the region. The country’s output was 398,000 tonnes, which is substantially lower by 23.7% from the year-before month. South Africa had reported production of 521,000 tonnes in January last year.

On the contrary, Libyan output surged higher significantly over the year. The country’s output was estimated at around 65,000 tonnes in January 2020. This is higher by approximately 124% when compared with the output of 29,000 tonnes in January 2019.