BEIJING - China's steel industry will face better situations in the fourth quarter and in 2013 after posting whopping losses in the first three quarters, an industry insider said.

Liu Zhenjiang, vice president of the China Iron and Steel Association, said Saturday at a steel industry forum that most large and medium-sized steel companies have shaken off losses since October, but their main steel business is still suffering losses.

"The year 2012 is the most difficult year for China's steel industry since the beginning of the 21 century," Liu said.

Data from the CISA showed Chinese steel companies posted total losses of 5.5 billion yuan ($874.32 million) from January to September, compared with total profits of 38.7 billion yuan registered during the same period last year.

The industry will face better situations in the last quarter and in 2013, but strict control of production capacity will still be prioritized due to excessive capacity in the industry, Liu said.

He urged the country's steel enterprises to step up restructuring and upgrading to enhance their market competitiveness and capabilities of sustainable development.