China steel output to remain sluggish in Q4

China's crude steel output in the remaining months of 2010 is likely to remain relatively sluggish, with construction activity in northern regions starting to slow, Reuters reported on Tuesday, citing the country's steel industry association.

The China Iron and Steel Association, in its regular monthly market report, also said that raw material prices -- including iron ore and coking coal -- were also on the rise in the fourth quarter of the year.

It added that there was little chance of a big revival in Chinese steel exports, blaming protectionism and the rising yuan.
(Source:china daily)