China’s crude steel production fell for a third consecutive month in August as mills cut operations to meet temporary emissions requirements and amid a seasonal demand lull. National Bureau of Statistics data show output at 77.37 million metric tons, the lowest since December and down 0.7% year-on-year and 2.9% from July. Average daily crude steel production eased to 2.50 million tons in August versus 2.57 million tons in July, according to Reuters calculations cited in the report. Authorities in Tangshan, Hebei—China’s top steelmaking hub—ordered restrictions to secure better air quality for a September 3 military parade in Beijing. Consultancy Mysteel reported hot metal output slipping to the weakest level in more than a month by late August. Electric-arc-furnace producers also reduced runs due to negative margins as finished steel prices fell while scrap costs held firm. For January–August, China produced 671.81 million tons of crude steel, down 2.8% from a year earlier. Demand indicators remained soft: rebar prices declined 4% in August, property-sector pressures persisted, and exports eased from July levels. The data add to signs of broader economic cooling as industrial output and retail sales both missed expectations in August.