Korea Iron & Steel Association Marks 50th Anniversary... "Crude Steel Production Grows 25-Fold"

Embracing 42 Regular Members and 6 Special Members
Playing a Key Role in the Development of the Steel Industry

The Korea Iron & Steel Association celebrated its 50th anniversary on July 9. The association was established on July 9, 1975, to promote the development of the steel industry and exports. As the only representative organization of the steel industry in Korea, it currently has 42 regular member companies and 6 special member institutions.

Korea Iron & Steel Association 50th Anniversary Emblem. Provided by Korea Iron & Steel Association

According to the association, domestic crude steel production increased about 25-fold over 50 years, from 2,534,000 tons at the time of its founding to 63,648,000 tons last year. The association stated that it has contributed to strengthening the industry's competitiveness by compiling steel statistics, providing policy data, responding to trade issues, and supporting technology development. Designated by the government in 1977 as the official steel statistics agency, the association has regularly surveyed key industry indicators such as domestic and international steel supply and demand, shipments, and facility investment. It also holds the annual 'Steel Korea' seminar.

In the field of trade, the association is currently working jointly with the government to respond to 87 import regulations from 20 countries. It is also addressing issues such as the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and blocking unfair steel imports. International cooperation is being enhanced through regular steel meetings with major countries, including Korea-Japan, Korea-China, and Korea-ASEAN. To support technology development, the association has continued activities such as presenting steel industry awards, operating technical subcommittees, and establishing the Metal Materials Research Association. It is also making policy proposals to promote the spread of carbon-neutral technologies, such as hydrogen reduction steelmaking. Recently, the association launched the Steel Slag Committee to support the expanded recycling of industrial by-products.

The association operates demand development organizations such as the Steel Structure Center, Steel Pipe Council, and Steel Wind Power Committee to promote the use of domestic steel products and create new demand. In terms of workforce development, it runs programs to train master's and doctoral-level R&D personnel and technical personnel tailored to industrial sites. Since 2000, the association has held the annual 'Iron Day' event to raise awareness of the steel industry. Together with the industry, it has also established a 450 billion won win-win cooperation fund to provide low-interest financing for small and medium-sized enterprises.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.