Production of stainless crude steel grew by 10.4% in 2003 to finish at 22.8 million metric tons (mmt) for the year, according to a report by the International Stainless Steel Forum (ISSF). This is stronger growth than expected and comes on top of the 7.8% rise in production in 2002. Production in 2002 reached 20.7 mmt. Growth in stainless steel production was generally stronger around the world. However, Asia is again outpacing all other regions. This confirms the importance of Asia, and especially China, as the largest consumer of stainless steel. Asia is also the largest stainless steel producing region, and Western Europe/Africa the second largest. Central and Eastern Europe shows a strong growth in the consumption of stainless steel, but local production is yet to follow at the same pace.
