World stainless steel production increased 8 percent in 2013

The International Stainless Steel Forum released preliminary data for 2013 showing stainless steel production increased 7.8 percent to 38.1 million tonnes per year.

With the exception of Western Europe and Africa, all regions achieved positive growth rates. Asia, excluding China, recorded 8.8 million tonnes of stainless steel production in 2013, an increase of 0.8 percent YoY. At the same time, growth across the region ranged from 5.4 percent in India to 3.7 percent in Taiwan and China.

Stainless steel production levels in Japan and South Korea remained unchanged. China continues to expand its manufacturing share, which is currently approaching 50 percent. China's stainless steel production rose to 19 million tonnes, an 18 percent increase over 2012.

In Western Europe and Africa, stainless steel production fell 4.3 percent to 7.5 million tonnes. The declines in France and Belgium range from 5.1 to 4.6 percent, while the UK and Germany have negative double digits.

The Americas and Central and Eastern Europe achieved positive growth rates. Stainless steel production increased 3.6 percent to 2.5 million tonnes in the Americas and 13.6 percent to 0.4 million tonnes in Central and Eastern Europe on an annualized basis.