MEPS International has reported that the total global crude stainless steel production for 2013 reached a record high of 37.3 million tons. This goes beyond the previous record mark of 5.5 percent, which was set in 2012. MEPS predicts that the global crude stainless steel output for 2014 will further increase by 4.6 percent to reach a new high figure of 39 million tons.
Production of stainless steel in the second half of 2013 exceeded earlier expectations for the year. The output in the US recovered slightly to reach figures estimated to be over two percent higher compared to the previous 12 months. Despite these good reports, production in all of the established stainless steel making countries and regions remains significantly below the high figures achieved in 2006.