The Polish economy consumed some 10.3 million tons of steel in 2012, 7 percent less than in 2011, Metallurgical Chamber of Industry and Commerce (HIPH) reported on Thursday.

Meanwhile, steel production also declined at 8.5 million tons last year, down 2 percent from 2011.

Lower consumption and production reflected slowing economic growth last year, particularly in infrastructural projects and the auto industry which both recorded significant declines and reduced orders.