China produced 13.64 million mt of stainless crude steel in the first half of the year, up 13.23% year on year, data from China Special Steel Enterprises Association showed. 

Cr-Mn grades have greater tensile strength because of their higher nitrogen levels. But their lower nickel content makes them more susceptible to cracking after they undergo metal forming processes. 

Production of Cr-Mn grades stainless crude steel, including some products short of international standards, stood at 4.77 million mt, up 30.37% on the year. Its share in total output rose 4.59 % to 34.94%.

• [Editor:Wang Linyan]