Steel Market Production Cuts – Esmark Steel Group had originally planned to re-start the cold-rolled mill at the former RG Steel Yorkville facility in January, but has now pushed the start date back to March or April due to concerns over environmental liabilities.

Steel Market Production Increases – China-based Wuhan Iron and Steel Co (WISCO) has begun production at the company’s new hot-rolled pickling line, with capacity expected to reach 300,000 tpy in 2013.

Steel Market Production Cuts – Egyptian Iron & Steel Co. is suffering from a shortage of coke due to “technical problems” at its supplier and has been forced to reduce production from 1.2 mtpy to about 0.5-0.6 mtpy.

Steel Market Production Increases – ArcelorMittal has restarted the coil-coating lines at the Liege facility in Belgium after a week-long stoppage due to a strike.

Sources: Steel Business Briefing, SteelOrbis, American Metal Market