According to the latest data regarding crude steel production in France released by the French Steel Federation, French crude steel production amounted to 1.34 million tonnes in June 2012, down by 2% YoY and also down by 9.1% MoM.

In June 2012, steel production in France using electric arc furnaces fell by 4.8% YoY, amounting to 559,300 tonnes, while steel production with blast furnace technology totaled 781,100 tonnes, remaining almost stable compared to June 2011.

Meanwhile, in the first half of 2011, France's crude steel production amounted to 8.38 million tonnes, increasing by 3.4% YoY. In the given period, steel production in France using electric arc furnaces rose by 3.2% YoY, reaching 3.37 million tonnes, while steel production with blast furnace technology totaled 5 million tonnes, increasing by 3.5% YoY.

The FFA also noted that domestic crude steel production in the first six months of 2012 was still 16.2% below the January to June 2008 production figure.

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