Steel consumption in the Czech Republic decreases to the lowest level of the last ten years

Steel Union, the Czech and Slovak steel association, reported that the Czech Republic's apparent steel consumption decreased to 1.37 million tonnes in the third quarter, the lowest level in a decade, while nine-month consumption decreased by 700,000 tonnes to 4.4 million tonnes. Nine-month crude steel production decreased by 21% to 2.64 million tonnes.

Although nine-month output of all product categories decreased, long products took the heaviest hit, down 27% y-o-y to 1.52 million tonnes, while flat and pipe production decreased by 3% and 9.5% to 720,000 tonnes and 263,000 tonnes, respectively. Total rolled steel production decreased by 19% to 2.51 million tonnes. Pig iron production decreased by 20% to 2.16 million tonnes.

This is attributed to the ongoing crisis in the construction industry, not only in the Czech Republic but also in neighbouring countries, especially Germany. "The situation has not been normal for several years, so it is very difficult to predict what will happen next. The construction industry is not doing well here, and the situation in Germany is not good either. I don't expect a turn for the better in the short term," said Steel Union President Daniel Urban.