China's steel sector registered output expansion in the first 10 months of this year, industrial data showed.

The steel does not have to be painted, which saves maintenance costs.

"Not a good sign, but at least the worst is over and we're heading for a recovery."

The No.4 furnace at Gary has a rated annual capacity of 1.36 million st/year, according to data from the Association for Iron and Steel Technology.

US hot-rolled coil (HRC) prices continued their march upwards.

Thyssenkrupp received a non-binding offer from Liberty Steel for its steel unit in October.

The steelmaker has informed some customers that some orders for January production would have to be delayed until February.

The accelerated speed of change is not likely to stop.