According to statistics released by the Stainless Steel Council of Special Steel Enterprises Association, China's stainless steel output totaled 12.59 million tonnes in 2011, surging by 11.9% YoY.

Among them, the production of 200 series stainless steel totaled 2.389 million tonnes, rising by 3.5% YoY; that of 300 series materials was 7.161 million tonnes, increasing by 23% YoY and that of 400 series products was 3.041 million tonnes, down by 2.7% YoY.

In addition, the country's consumption of stainless steel products amounted to 9.736 million tonnes in 2011, rising by 3.6% YoY.

In 2011, China's stainless steel exports totaled 2.245 million tonnes, increasing by 46% while its stainless steel imports were 901,000 tonnes, decreasing by 16%.

(Sourced from www.yieh.com)