SMM Exclusive: 81 Blast Furnaces under Maintenance as of July 25

SHANGHAI, Jul 26 (SMM) – According to SMM survey, a total of 81 blast furnaces were under maintenance as of July 25, involving a total volume of 95,420 m³ and pig iron production of 295,400 mt/day. It is expected that the pig iron production will be reduced by 2.04 million mt this week, up 60,800 mt from last week. The production cut is estimated at 2 million mt next week, down 40,300 mt on a weekly basis.

Extensive production resumption among blast furnaces can be expected next week considering the improving steel mill profits. And SMM will keep monitoring domestic blast furnace operating rates as most mills have not yet disclosed their resumption timeline.