Crude steel production up 21% in April

India's crude steel production in April 2005 is estimated at 2.95 million tonne, recording a growth of 21.5 per cent over the same period last year.

In terms of growth rate in Asia, India is now second only to China, the largest steel producer in the world, according to the monthly steel production data provided by Brussels-based International Iron and Steel Institute (IISI).

China continues to retain the leadership position with total steel production at 28.09 million tonne in April this year. China's steel production in April grew at a staggering 25.4 per cent against a total production of 22.40 million tonne in April 2004.

Growth of crude steel production in India in April at 21.5 per cent was twice as fast as the average growth for the first four months of the calendar year 2005, which stood at 10.7 per cent.

Major steel producing countries in Asia, other than India and China, however reported slowdown in steel production. While Japan and Taiwan reported growth of 1.3 per cent and 1.4 per cent, respectively, in the first four months of 2005, South Korea reported a growth of just 0.6 per cent.

Total steel production in Asia in April 2005 was 46.10 million tonne, while the total production between January and April 2005 was 177.29 million tonne.

IISI data also revealed that Asia accounted for half of world steel production which was 359.34 million tonne, between January and April 2005.

Based on the aggregate steel production data provided IISI, while average growth across 61 countries was 7 per cent, Asian steel production grew at 15 per cent.