France in June reduced steel production by 33.3 percent

In the first half of the year, French steelmakers increased steel output by 6.1% y/y

Steel enterprises of France at the end of June 2024 year reduced steel production by 33.3% compared to the previous month – up to 728 thousand tons. Thus, the country took 18th place in the global ranking of steel producing countries (71) WorldSteel Association.

Photo – France in June reduced steel production by 33.3% m/m

Compared to the same month in 2023, steel smelting by French steelmakers in June 2024 increased by 2.8%. Thus, the figure fell to its lowest since December 2023.

In January-June, steel production in France increased by 6.1% compared to the same period in 2023 – up to 5.16 million tons. The average monthly steel smelting for this period amounted to 859.5 thousand tons compared to 810.2 thousand tons in January-June 2023.

In general, steel production in the EU countries in January-June 2024 increased by 0.9% compared to January-June 2023 – up to 67.2 million tons. Global steel output for 6 months amounted to 954.6 million tons, which corresponds 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 kta) ArcelorMittal Dunkerque (6.75 million tons/year), Kehler Baden Steel Works (2.5 million tons/year), Riva Sam Neuves-Maisons (850 kta), Riva Iton Seine Bonnieres Sur Seine (550 kta), Riva Alpa Gargenville (700 kta), Riva Sam Montereau (720 kta), 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%.