Statistics
Global demand for steel products
Main steel exporting countries worldwide.
According to data from the World Steel Association for the year 2020:
China: Consistently the world's leading steel exporter with a significant share of the global market.
Japan: Japan is a major exporter of steel, with a well-established and technologically advanced steel industry.
South Korea: South Korea is also a major steel exporter, with leading companies in the sector such as POSCO.
Russia: Russia has a strong presence in the international steel market, being one of the main exporters.
India: India has increased its presence in the global steel market in recent decades and is among the top exporters.
Germany: Germany is known for its manufacturing industry and has a prominent position as an exporter of high-quality steel products.
Turkey: Turkey has seen significant growth in its steel industry and has become a major steel exporter.
Taiwan: Taiwan is another major player in the international steel market, with a well-developed steel industry.
Brazil: Brazil is one of the main exporters of steel products in Latin America, with a significant steel industry.
United States: Despite being a large steel producer, the United States is also among the main steel exporters in the world.
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Employment in the Mexican steel industry
Job statistics in the steel industry
According to official data, for 10 years the steel industry in Mexico has generated 672 thousand jobs with salaries 72% higher compared to other manufacturing industries.
Main steel importing countries worldwide.
Until the last update in January 2022, the top steel importing countries in the world have varied over time due to factors such as industrial demand, growing infrastructure, and trade policies. However, some of the major steel importers typically include:
China: China has consistently been one of the world's largest steel importers due to its large, expanding manufacturing and construction industry.
United States: Although the United States also produces large quantities of steel, it continues to import a significant amount to meet domestic demand.
Germany: As one of Europe's leading economies and with a significant manufacturing industry, Germany imports a substantial amount of steel for its industrial needs.
South Korea: With a highly industrialized economy and a major automotive and shipbuilding industry, South Korea is another major importer of steel.
Japan: Despite being a major steel producer, Japan also imports a significant amount for its various industries, including automotive and electronics.
Italy: Italy is another European country with a considerable manufacturing industry, resulting in significant demand for imported steel.
It is important to note that these positions may change over time due to various economic, political and business factors.
Steel consumption by sector.
Construction: 50%
This sector includes the construction of residential, commercial and industrial buildings, as well as infrastructure projects such as bridges, roads and tunnels. Steel is widely used in construction due to its strength, durability and versatility, and is found in a variety of applications such as structural beams, reinforcing trusses, metal profiles and cladding sheets.
Automotive: 16%
The automotive industry uses steel in the manufacturing of vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses, and motorcycles. Steel is used in the vehicle body, chassis, engine components, suspension systems, among others. It is valued for its strength, safety and ability to meet performance and efficiency standards.
Machinery and equipment: 14%
This sector covers a wide range of industries that manufacture machinery and equipment for various purposes, including agriculture, construction, mining, manufacturing and energy. Steel is used in the manufacturing of machinery components and structures due to its strength, reliability, and ability to withstand demanding working conditions.
Containers and packaging: 5%
Steel is used in the manufacture of containers and packaging for a variety of products, including food, beverages, chemicals and industrial materials. It is used in the form of cans, containers, barrels and other containers to provide strength, corrosion protection and safe storage capacity.
Appliances: 5%
Appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, ovens and dishwashers often contain steel components in their frame and casing. Steel is valued in this application for its durability, corrosion resistance, and ability to maintain structural integrity under heavy use conditions.
Others (including transportation, energy, and electronics): 10%
This category encompasses a variety of additional sectors where steel is used, including transportation (e.g., railways, aviation, shipping), energy (e.g., transmission towers, renewable energy infrastructure), and electronics (e.g., manufacturing of electronic components and devices).
Steel is essential in a wide range of industries due to its physical and mechanical properties, as well as its versatility in terms of shapes and applications.