GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Steel Processing Industry Statistics

The steel processing industry statistics provide insights into production volume, market trends, employment data, and economic impact of steel processing activities.

Highlights: Steel Processing Industry Statistics

  • In 2020, the global steel industry produced 1,869.9 million tons of crude steel.
  • Approximately 70% of steel produced today uses coal.
  • The largest steel producing country in the world in 2020 was China, creating 1,053.0 million tons of crude steel.
  • The top three steel importing countries in 2019 were the United States, Germany, and Italy.
  • The United States steel industry directly employs 142,000 people.
  • Despite a drop in overall production, global steel demand was forecast to reach 1,795.1 million metric tons in 2020.
  • Around 70% of total global steel production is used in construction.
  • The Tata Steel Group is one of the top global steel companies with an annual crude steel capacity of 34 million tonnes per annum.
  • Each year, the steel industry uses about 74% of the total steel scrap available.
  • The amount of energy required to produce a ton of steel has decreased by 60% in the last 50 years due to advancements in steelmaking technology.
  • The steel industry generates between 7% and 9% of direct emissions from the global use of fossil fuel.
  • In Western Europe, the crude steel production capacity was approximately 200 million metric tons in 2018.
  • One quarter of all direct emissions from the manufacturing sector in the UK come from steel.
  • The need for steel in the construction sector is expected to rise 1.3% annually until 2024.
  • South Korea is the third largest steel exporter in the world, exporting about 30.2 million metric tons in 2017.
  • The steel industry in India is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2020 to 2027.
  • The recycling rate of steel cans in Europe reached 82.5% in 2018.
  • Clayton, Dubilier & Rice is one of the largest private steel-producing companies in the U.S., with a production volume of 5.64 million metric tons in 2020.
  • Canada produces around 13 million tons of steel each year, making it the 18th largest steel producer in the world.

Our Newsletter

The Business Week In Data

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!

Table of Contents

In this blog post, we will explore the latest statistics and trends in the steel processing industry. Steel plays a crucial role in various sectors, and understanding the data surrounding its production, consumption, and market dynamics is essential for stakeholders in this industry. Join us as we delve into the wealth of information to gain valuable insights into the steel processing industry.

The Latest Steel Processing Industry Statistics Explained

In 2020, the global steel industry produced 1,869.9 million tons of crude steel.

In 2020, the global steel industry produced a total of 1,869.9 million tons of crude steel, reflecting the significant scale of steel manufacturing operations worldwide during that year. This statistic highlights the immense level of industrial activity in steel production, which is crucial for various sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure development. The sheer volume of crude steel produced underscores the importance of the steel industry as a key driver of economic growth and development globally, serving as a fundamental material for a wide range of applications essential to modern society.

Approximately 70% of steel produced today uses coal.

The statistic “Approximately 70% of steel produced today uses coal” implies that coal is a prevalent and crucial resource in the steel production industry. This figure indicates that a significant majority of steel manufacturing processes worldwide rely on coal as a key raw material or energy source. Coal is commonly used in the form of coke, a derivative of coal, in the steelmaking process to fuel blast furnaces and facilitate the chemical reactions necessary for producing steel. The high percentage of coal usage underscores the current dependence on this fossil fuel within the steel industry and highlights the importance of exploring more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives in steel production in the future.

The largest steel producing country in the world in 2020 was China, creating 1,053.0 million tons of crude steel.

The statistic indicates that China held the title of the largest steel-producing country in the world in 2020 by producing a total of 1,053.0 million tons of crude steel. This highlights China’s significant dominance in the global steel industry, with the country’s extensive production capacity surpassing that of any other nation. The sheer volume of steel production underscores China’s massive industrial capabilities and underscores its role as a major player in the global economy. This statistic is particularly impactful as steel production is a key indicator of a country’s industrial strength and economic development, further solidifying China’s position as a key player in the global manufacturing sector.

The top three steel importing countries in 2019 were the United States, Germany, and Italy.

The statistic indicates that in 2019, the United States, Germany, and Italy were the top three countries that imported the highest quantities of steel. This information provides insight into the global steel market, highlighting the significant demand for steel in these countries during that year. The ranking suggests that these countries likely have strong manufacturing industries or construction sectors that heavily rely on steel imports for their production activities. Understanding the top importing countries can be valuable for stakeholders in the steel industry, policymakers, and economists to analyze market trends, trade dynamics, and potential opportunities for growth and development.

The United States steel industry directly employs 142,000 people.

The statistic that the United States steel industry directly employs 142,000 people indicates the number of individuals directly involved in various roles within the steel industry, such as steel manufacturing, processing, distribution, and related support services. This figure provides insight into the scale and significance of the steel industry within the U.S. economy, highlighting its role as a major employer and contributor to the labor market. The employment of 142,000 people in the steel industry also reflects the industry’s impact on local communities and the broader economy in terms of wages, purchasing power, and economic stability.

Despite a drop in overall production, global steel demand was forecast to reach 1,795.1 million metric tons in 2020.

The statistic indicates that although there was a decline in the overall production of steel worldwide, the demand for steel is expected to increase significantly to reach 1,795.1 million metric tons in 2020. This suggests that even with a reduction in supply, the global market is projected to require a larger quantity of steel products, likely driven by factors such as infrastructure development, construction projects, and manufacturing activities. The discrepancy between production and demand may impact pricing dynamics and supply chain management in the steel industry, as manufacturers aim to meet the rising global demand for steel products despite a decrease in their production capacity.

Around 70% of total global steel production is used in construction.

The statistic “Around 70% of total global steel production is used in construction” indicates that the majority of steel produced worldwide is utilized in construction projects. Steel is a critical component in various construction applications due to its strength, durability, and versatility. It is commonly used in buildings, infrastructure, and numerous other construction projects such as bridges, roads, and skyscrapers. This high demand for steel in construction highlights the significant role of the construction industry in driving global steel production and consumption. Additionally, it underscores the importance of steel as a fundamental material that contributes to the development and expansion of infrastructure and buildings worldwide.

The Tata Steel Group is one of the top global steel companies with an annual crude steel capacity of 34 million tonnes per annum.

The statistic indicates that the Tata Steel Group is a significant player in the global steel industry, possessing a substantial production capacity of 34 million tonnes of crude steel per year. This high capacity signifies the company’s ability to produce a large volume of steel products, which in turn suggests a sizeable market presence and impact. With such a significant annual capacity, the Tata Steel Group is positioned as one of the top competitors in the global steel market, capable of meeting the demand for steel products on a large scale and influencing market dynamics in the industry.

Each year, the steel industry uses about 74% of the total steel scrap available.

The statistic indicates that the steel industry consumes approximately 74% of the total amount of steel scrap produced on an annual basis. This high percentage highlights the significant role of the steel industry in recycling and reusing steel materials, which are essential for sustainability and resource management. As steel scrap is a valuable source of raw material for producing new steel products, the industry’s ability to utilize such a substantial portion of available scrap demonstrates its efficiency in promoting circular economy principles and reducing the demand for virgin steel production, thereby contributing to environmental conservation efforts.

The amount of energy required to produce a ton of steel has decreased by 60% in the last 50 years due to advancements in steelmaking technology.

The statistic indicates that there has been a significant improvement in energy efficiency in the steel production industry over the last 50 years, with the amount of energy needed to produce a ton of steel decreasing by 60%. This reduction can be attributed to advancements in steelmaking technology, reflecting increased efficiency, innovation, and likely a shift towards cleaner and more sustainable production methods. The decrease in energy consumption per ton of steel produced not only signifies progress towards environmental sustainability but also suggests increased productivity and cost-effectiveness in the steel industry, ultimately benefiting both the industry and the environment.

The steel industry generates between 7% and 9% of direct emissions from the global use of fossil fuel.

This statistic indicates that the steel industry is responsible for a significant portion of direct emissions resulting from the global use of fossil fuels, with estimates suggesting that it accounts for between 7% and 9% of these emissions. Direct emissions refer to greenhouse gases released directly into the atmosphere during steel production processes that involve the burning of fossil fuels. Given the substantial contribution of the steel industry to global emissions, efforts to reduce its environmental impact, such as implementing cleaner production technologies or transitioning to alternative energy sources, could have a meaningful role in mitigating climate change and addressing sustainability challenges on a global scale.

In Western Europe, the crude steel production capacity was approximately 200 million metric tons in 2018.

The statistic indicates that the total potential annual production capacity for crude steel in Western Europe was estimated to be around 200 million metric tons in 2018. This figure represents the maximum amount of steel that the region’s steel manufacturing facilities are capable of producing over the course of a year under ideal operating conditions. The capacity reflects the scale and technological prowess of the steel industry in Western Europe, highlighting its significance as a major player in the global steel market. It provides a valuable insight into the industrial capabilities and growth potential of the region’s steel sector, serving as a benchmark for evaluating production levels and forecasting future trends in steel manufacturing within Western Europe.

One quarter of all direct emissions from the manufacturing sector in the UK come from steel.

This statistic indicates that a significant portion of direct emissions from the manufacturing sector in the UK originate from steel production, specifically amounting to one quarter of the total emissions. This suggests that steel production is a major contributor to the carbon footprint of the manufacturing sector in the UK. Understanding the extent of emissions from steel production is crucial for developing strategies and policies to reduce overall emissions and mitigate the sector’s environmental impact. This statistic highlights the importance of addressing emissions from steel production to work towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly manufacturing sector in the UK.

The need for steel in the construction sector is expected to rise 1.3% annually until 2024.

The statistic ‘The need for steel in the construction sector is expected to rise 1.3% annually until 2024’ indicates the anticipated annual increase in demand for steel within the construction industry up to the year 2024. This growth rate suggests a gradual but steady rise in the use of steel in construction projects over the specified timeframe. Such projections are essential for industry stakeholders, including steel manufacturers, construction companies, and policymakers, as they provide valuable insights into market trends and allow for informed decision-making regarding production, supply chain management, and investment strategies. The statistic highlights the significance of steel as a critical material in construction and underscores the sustained demand for it in the coming years.

South Korea is the third largest steel exporter in the world, exporting about 30.2 million metric tons in 2017.

The statistic stating that South Korea is the third largest steel exporter in the world, exporting around 30.2 million metric tons in 2017, highlights the significant role of South Korea in the global steel market. This indicates that South Korea plays a crucial role in supplying steel to countries around the world, reflecting its strong manufacturing and industrial capacity. Being one of the top steel exporters also suggests that South Korea has a competitive edge in terms of producing and exporting steel products, contributing to its overall economic growth and trade relationships.

The steel industry in India is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2020 to 2027.

This statistic indicates that the steel industry in India is projected to experience a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.5% from the year 2020 to 2027. This forecast suggests a consistent and steady growth pattern for the industry over the specified time period. A CAGR of 6.5% signifies that the industry is expected to expand at an average annual rate of 6.5% during this period. This growth rate can be attributed to factors such as increasing infrastructure development, urbanization, and industrialization in the country, leading to a rising demand for steel products. It implies potential opportunities for investors and stakeholders in the Indian steel industry based on the projected growth trajectory.

The recycling rate of steel cans in Europe reached 82.5% in 2018.

The statistic stating that the recycling rate of steel cans in Europe reached 82.5% in 2018 signifies the proportion of steel cans that were recycled out of the total steel cans generated in that region during the specified period. This high recycling rate of 82.5% reflects the effectiveness of recycling efforts and initiatives in Europe, highlighting a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and resource conservation within the steel industry. The statistic also indicates that a significant amount of steel material is being reclaimed and diverted from landfills, contributing to the circular economy and reducing the environmental impact associated with steel production.

Clayton, Dubilier & Rice is one of the largest private steel-producing companies in the U.S., with a production volume of 5.64 million metric tons in 2020.

The statistic indicates that Clayton, Dubilier & Rice is a major player in the steel industry in the United States as one of the largest private steel-producing companies. The production volume of 5.64 million metric tons in 2020 showcases the significant scale of their operations, highlighting their substantial contribution to the overall steel production in the country. This statistic not only demonstrates the company’s size and influence within the industry but also signifies their role in meeting the demand for steel products in various sectors of the economy, such as construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure.

Canada produces around 13 million tons of steel each year, making it the 18th largest steel producer in the world.

The statistic that Canada produces around 13 million tons of steel each year, ranking it as the 18th largest steel producer in the world, highlights Canada’s position within the global steel industry. Producing 13 million tons of steel annually reflects a significant level of industrial output and signifies Canada’s contribution to the world steel market. The ranking as the 18th largest steel producer indicates that while Canada is a notable player in the industry, there are larger steel-producing nations ahead of it in terms of production volume. This statistic underscores Canada’s role in the global supply chain for steel and provides context for understanding its position relative to other countries in the steel production landscape.

References

0. – https://www.www.canadiansteel.ca

1. – https://www.www.omnicalculator.com

2. – https://www.www.aipla.org

3. – https://www.www.grandviewresearch.com

4. – https://www.www.eurometal.net

5. – https://www.www.bbc.com

6. – https://www.www.apeal.org

7. – https://www.www.aisi.org

8. – https://www.www.statista.com

9. – https://www.www.trade.gov

10. – https://www.www.worldstopexports.com

11. – https://www.environmentjournal.online

12. – https://www.worldsteel.org

13. – https://www.www.worldsteel.org

14. – https://www.www.worldcoal.org

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

Table of Contents

... Before You Leave, Catch This! 🔥

Your next business insight is just a subscription away. Our newsletter The Week in Data delivers the freshest statistics and trends directly to you. Stay informed, stay ahead—subscribe now.

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!