Figures from the World Steel Association show the threat China poses to the future of BlueScope.
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According to the figures, in 2014, Chinese steel mills made 178 times as much crude steel as Australia - 822.7 million tonnes to our 4.6 million tonnes.
That output placed China in top spot for steel production, more than 700 million tonnes ahead of second-placed Japan.
Australia was way down the list at 31st, behind Poland, Belgium, Argentina and Malaysia.
In 2014, according to the World Steel Association, China was responsible for almost half the world's crude steel output of 1665 million tonnes.
Chinese steelmakers have been criticised for dumping steel on international markets at less than the cost it takes to make, causing issues for Australian steelmakers such as BlueScope.
On these figures, it would seem China has a lot of excess steel to dump.
Also, six of the top 10 crude steel producing companies last year were based in China.
The top-ranked company was the multinational ArcelorMittal with 98.09 million tonnes of crude steel, almost 50 million tonnes ahead of Japan's NSSMC.
Despite this, the US arm of ArcelorMittal is also concerned about the problem of Chinese steel and is asking the government to do something.
This is on top of "Buy American" legislation that already exists in the United States.
"While imports make up a minority share of domestic steel consumption, they are a disruptive force and take volume that could be made by domestic steelmakers," the US arm's 2014 Fact Book said.
"A more effective US trade policy is needed to further level the playing field and to help preserve and strengthen the US manufacturing sector."
Federal Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane will meet BlueScope Steel management in Canberra on Wednesday.
The meeting comes almost a week after Mr Macfarlane discussed the future of the region’s steel industry with an Illawarra delegation fighting to keep the Port Kembla steelworks viable.
The minister will hold talks with BlueScope chief executive Paul O’Malley and his team. A subsequent meeting with all key stakeholders, including unions is expected to follow.
‘‘I’m happy to get my department involved in looking at options for the Illawarra because obviously, just pouring money down the throat of BlueScope won’t necessarily solve the problem,’’ he told the Mercury last week. ‘‘I need to be sure whatever the solution it is a long-term solution for jobs in the region.’’
- Andrew Pearson
