Emissions from Chinese metallurgy grew by 5.7% y/y in January-July

In January-July 2023, total emissions from the Chinese metallurgy industry increased by 5.7% compared to the same period in 2022. About it informs China Steel Manufacturers Association (CISA).

Sulfur dioxide emissions per ton of steel were 0.21 kg/t (-8.1% y/y), smoke and dust – 0.25 kg/t (-18.7% y/y), oxide nitrogen – 0.40 kg/t (-14.3% y/y). Emissions of sulfur dioxide and particulate matter decreased by 12.9% and 13.5%, respectively.

The total volume of water used by metallurgical enterprises in January-July increased by 2.9% y/y – up to 55.17 billion cubic meters In particular, new water withdrawal decreased by 2% y/y to 19.5 million m3, while reuse increased by 3 y/y. – up to 1.57 billion cubic meters. The level of water reuse amounted to 98.2%, which is 0.09 p.p. more y/y.

The production of steel slag by Chinese metallurgists in January-July 2023 amounted to 50.9 million tons, which is 0.6% more y/y. The utilization rate for steelmaking slag was 98.4% (+0.35 p.p. y/y), for blast-furnace slag – 99.24% (+0.19 p.p. y/y).

Blast furnace gas production amounted to 562.4 billion cubic meters., which is 0.14% more y/y than the converter one – 50.3 billion cubic meters (+4% y/y), and coke – 34.75 billion cubic meters (-0.9% y/y). The blast-furnace gas utilization rate was 98.55%, which is 0.3% more than in January-July 2022, converter gas – 98.66% (+0.16 p.p. y/y), coke oven gas – 98, 7% (+0.15 p.p. y/y).

Recall that in July 2023, China increased steel production by 11.5% y/y – to 90.8 million tons. Compared to June 2023, steel production in the specified period decreased by 0.34%.

The fall in steel output compared to June was due to production restrictions in Tangshan, China’s leading steelmaking center. In addition, steel production has been cut at a number of steel mills in the southwest Sichuan province to ensure normal electricity supply during the Summer World University Games.