France in July reduced steel production by 8.8% y/y

Steel enterprises of France at the end of July 2024 year reduced steel production by 8.8% compared to the same month 2023 year – to 750 thousand tons. Thus, the country took 19th place in the global ranking of steel producing countries (71) WorldSteel Association.

Compared to the previous month, steel production by French steelmakers increased by 3% in July. Thus, the indicator recovered slightly after declining in June to the lowest since December 2023.

In January-July, steel production in France increased by 3.9% compared to the same period in 2023 – up to 5.91 million tons. The average monthly steel production for this period amounted to 843.86 thousand tons, compared to 811.86 thousand tons in January-July 2023.

In general, steel production in the EU countries in January-July 2024 increased by 1.5% compared to January-July 2023 – up to 78 million tons. Global steel output for 7 months amounted to 1.11 billion tons, which is 0.7% less compared to the same period last year.

In 2023, France reduced steel production by 17.4% compared to 2022 – to 10.01 million tons. The average monthly steel production for the year amounted to 840.7 thousand tons, while in 2022 the indicator was at the level of 1.01 million tons (-16.76% y/y).

In 2023, steel production in the EU countries amounted to 126.3 million tons of steel, which is 7.4% less than y/y.

France has 10 steel plants, including Saarstahl Ascoval Saint-Saulve (capacity 730 thousand tons of steel per year), LME Trith-Saint-Léger (850 thousand tons/year), ArcelorMittal Dunkerque (6.75 million tons/year), Kehler Baden Steel Works (2.5 million tons/year), Riva Sam Neuves-Maisons (850 thousand tons/year), Riva Iton Seine Bonnieres Sur Seine (550 kta), Riva Alpa Gargenville (700 kta), Riva Sam Montereau (720 thousand tons/year), ArcelorMittal Méditerranée Fos sur Mer (4 million tons/year), Celsa France Boucau (1.2 million tons/year). The total capacity of steel plants reaches 18.85 million tons/year. Consequently, in 2023, capacity utilization was at 53.1%.