After the recession of late 2008-2009, the steel refractories industry seems to be finally back on track, driven by a “faster than expected” recovery of the steel sector, which consumes about 70% of world refractories (see steel refractories at a glance panel).
Steel production in the first half of 2010 increased again, seeing a 28% growth compared to the same period a year ago. According to the World Steel Association (WSA), global crude steel production rose 18% in June 2010 compared with the same period in 2009 driven by continued recovery in developed markets and ongoing growth in Asia.
Global steel output was 118.8m. tonnes in June, up from 100.7m. tonnes in June 2009, but down from the 124m. tonnes reported in May 2010. China, the world’s largest steel producer, increased production by 9% year on year in June, while Japan and South Korea boosted output by a...