Average monthly steel sales in Germany fell by 5% y/y in 2023

Average monthly sales of steel in distribution centers in Germany in 2023 decreased by 5% compared to 2022 – to 786 thousand tons from 826 thousand tons. This is reported by Kallanish with reference to the data of the German Federation of Steel Shareholders BDS.

Last year, monthly steel sales never exceeded 1 million tons, while in 2022 this level was reached in March. At the same time, March 2023 also became the best-selling month of the year with a result of 994 thousand tons. December was the weakest month with 465 thousand tons (-13% y/y).

The total volume of steel products sold in Germany in 2023 amounted to 9.43 million tons, down 5% compared to 2022. Flat products accounted for approximately 60% of sales, long products for 30%, and other steel products for another 10%.

Average monthly steel stocks in Germany last year amounted to 1.96 million tons, which is about 6% less than in 2022. In particular, 1.22 million tons were accounted for by flat products, 607 thousand tons – by long products, and 41.7 thousand tons – by other products.

As of the end of 2023, steel stocks amounted to 1.85 million tons, up from 1.95 million tons a year earlier.

Last year, Germany reduced imports of rolled steel from third countries by 31.9% compared to 2022, to 759.99 thousand tons. Steel exports decreased by 7.8% y/y – to 3.36 million tons.

Germany is one of the ten largest steel producers in the world according to World Steel. In 2023, the country decreased steel production by 3.9% compared to 2022, to 35.4 million tons, ranking 8th in the global ranking of producing countries.

Steel production in BOF vessels fell by 0.9% y/y – to 25.63 million tons and in electric arc furnaces by 10.8% y/y – to 9.81 million tons. Pig iron production decreased by 0.9% y/y – to 23.63 million tons. Rolled steel output amounted to 30.64 million tons, down 3.6% y/y.