Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-06-14 02:19Global Steel Production - In 2024, global crude steel production is projected to reach 1.885 billion tons, remaining stable compared to previous years, with China producing 1.005 billion tons, accounting for 53.3% of the total [1][2] - India ranks second with a production of 149 million tons, showing a year-on-year growth of 6%, while traditional steel-producing countries like Japan, the US, and Russia are experiencing declines [1][2] - The production process is dominated by the blast furnace-converter method, accounting for 70.4%, while electric arc furnace processes represent 29.1% [1][2] Steel Consumption - The global apparent steel consumption in 2024 is estimated at 1.742 billion tons, with a per capita consumption of 214.7 kg [2][3] - China leads in per capita consumption at 601.1 kg, while India lags at 102.6 kg, highlighting significant disparities between developing and developed nations [2][3] - Asia accounts for 72.4% of global consumption, with China and India contributing the majority of the growth, while Europe and North America see declining shares [2][3] Raw Materials and Trade - Iron ore remains a critical raw material, with Australia and Brazil together accounting for 72% of global exports; China is the largest importer, with imports reaching 1.18 billion tons in 2024 [3][4] - The reliance on iron ore has prompted the industry to seek alternatives, with direct reduced iron production increasing from 106 million tons in 2020 to 144 million tons in 2024 [3][4] - Global trade in scrap steel is on the rise, with a total of 95.8 million tons traded in 2024, primarily involving the EU, the US, and China [3][4] Sustainability - The steel industry's carbon emission intensity has decreased, with 2023 figures showing 1.92 tons of CO2 emitted per ton of crude steel produced [4][5] - Energy consumption intensity is reported at 21.27 GJ/ton, with material efficiency reaching 98.15%, indicating ongoing efforts in energy conservation and emissions reduction [4][5] - The industry is investing in new technologies, including electric arc furnaces and hydrogen metallurgy, to meet sustainability goals [4][5] Trade Dynamics - In 2024, global steel trade volume is expected to reach 449 million tons, with China exporting 117 million tons, primarily to emerging markets in Southeast Asia and Africa [5][6] - The EU and the US are major importers, with net imports of 15 million tons and 18.6 million tons, respectively [5][6] - Indirect trade, involving steel-containing products, significantly impacts global supply and demand dynamics, with 2019 figures showing 359 million tons traded [5][6] Future Outlook - The steel industry faces challenges and opportunities in low-carbon transformation, with technologies like hydrogen metallurgy and carbon capture set to play crucial roles [6][7] - Smart manufacturing through industrial internet and AI is expected to enhance efficiency and reduce energy consumption [6][7] - Emerging markets, particularly in Southeast Asia and Africa, are anticipated to drive future steel demand, with India's consumption projected to exceed 200 million tons by 2030 [6][7]