According to SMM survey, the domestic stainless steel output in November totalled about 2.63 million mt, up 323,000 mt or 14% month-on-month and down 10.2% year-on-year. China’s output of stainless steel totalled 29.72 million mt from January to November, an increase of 10.23% year on year.
The output grew in November from a month ago as the production was resumed amid loosening power rationing in some regions. Among them, the output of 200-series stainless steel has increased significantly, with a month-on-month increase of 164,000 m, mainly due to the recovery of production in Fujian and Guangxi. The output of 300 series stainless steel increased by 140,000 mt or 11.3% from the previous month, mainly due to the resumption of production of a steel mill, a major manufacturer of 300 series, in Guangdong in mid-November, whose production was suspended before. The output of 400 series stainless steel remained stable in November with little changes.
In December, some steel mills will start routine maintenance. Specifically speaking, the output of 300 series will be reduced by around 50,000-60,000 mt as a steel mill and a special steel mill in Jiangsu will carry out overhaul. However, the production of steel mills in Guangdong will be resumed from government inspections. Hence the output in December will still manage to increase to some extent from November. The output of 200 series, 300 series and 400 series is estimated at 788,000 mt, 1.4 million mt and 447,000 mt respectively in December, totalling 2.63 million mt. The output in January, 2022, however, is likely to drop significantly month-on-month as most steel mills will enter routine maintenance for the year, greatly influencing the total output.