SHANGHAI, Jan. 23 (SMM) – Average daily output of China’s crude steel is expected to fall slightly in January 2014 due to weak demand, Shanghai Metals Market’s ferrous branch Steelease foresees.
Utilization rates at major Chinese mills are expected to fall to 93.3% in January from December’s 93.4%, according to Steelease survey.
The removal of export rebate tax for boron-added steel products will also dull the appeal of steel exports in January, Steelease notes, in addition to no appreciate stock replenishment expected for the upcoming Chinese New Year holiday in mid February.
In December, China produced 68.09 million tonnes of crude steel, with average daily output at 2.2 million tonnes, up 4.1% month-on-month.
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