Decline in demand to limit steel production

Iron and steel output in China in 2017 is expected to fall due to the shrinking demand of steel consumption industries and continuing efforts to cut overcapacity, according to a report.

Demand is estimated at 660 million metric tons, down 1.5 percent from the 2016 level (which is estimated at 667 million tons), said the report, released on Monday by the China Metallurgical Industry Planning and Research Institute.

Output of crude steel is estimated at 788 million tons, down 2.2 percent from 2016 (which is estimated at 806 million tons).