Figures based on the Ministry of Commerce Industry and Energy (Mocie) shows that South Korean steel producers’ output for the finished products totaled 30.5 million tons from January to June, increased by almost 10 percent, compared to the same period of last year.

The predicted volume for period during July to December will be upped by around 3.1 percent and the total production volume for the whole year 2007 is expected to reach 60.8 million tons, growing by about 6.3 percent from 2006. However, the unreleased stocks may be counted into these numbers which still need to be taken into the consideration.

For South Korea’s exports, the total export volume of the first six months is around 9.7 million tons while another some 9.5 million tons is predicted to be reached.

Generally, South Korean exports will be higher at the coated products but less imports in China-origin steel products in the next half year.