Steel: A key driver of the world’s economy
- The industry directly employs more than two million people worldwide, with a further two million contractors and four million people in supporting industries.
- Considering steel’s position as the key product supplier to industries such as automotive, construction, transport, power and machine goods, and using a multiplier of 25:1, the steel industry is at the source of employment for more than 50 million people.
- World crude steel production has increased from 851 megatonnes (Mt) in 2001 to 1,607 Mt for the year 2013. (It was 28.3 Mt in 1900).
- World average steel use per capita has steadily increased from 150kg in 2001 to 217kg in 2012.
- India, Brazil, South Korea and Turkey have all entered the top ten steel producers list in the past 40 years, while China definitely holds the leading position.
Safe, innovative and progressive steel
Steel is an innovative and progressive industry committed to the safety and health of its people.
- The industry is committed to the goal of an injury-free workplace.
- The lost-time injury frequency rate has decreased from 5.1 in 2004 to 1.41 in 2012.
- The number of worldsteel member organisations participating in the annual safety metrics survey has increased from 46 in 2005 to 89 in 2012.
- The steel industry globally spends more than €12 billion annually on improving the manufacturing process, new product development and future breakthrough technology.
- New lightweight steel is dramatically changing the market. In 1937, 83,000 tonnes of steel were needed to build the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Today, only half of that amount would be required.
- Vehicles structures using Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS) weigh up to 35% less than those made with former conventional steel, substantially reducing greenhouse-gas emissions.
Laura C. // SMC Media Editor
Shanghai Metal Corporation 