Steel production slump

World crude steel production for the 66 countries reporting to the World Steel Association was 89 million metric tons (mmt) in April, over 23 per cent lower than the same month last year.

China's crude steel production for April 2009 was 43.4mmt, 3.9 per cent lower than April 2008.

Japan produced 5.7mmt, down by 43.6 per cent compared to the same month last year.

South Korea showed a decrease of 10.5 per cent from April 2008, producing 4.1mmt.

In the EU, Germany's crude steel was 1.9mmt, a decrease of 53.1 per cent.

Spain produced 1.2mmt, 38.2 per cent less.

France showed a decrease of 50.5 per cent, producing 0.8mmt.

The US produced 3.9mmt, a decrease of 53.4 per cent.

Brazil produced 1.7mmt, 40.4 per cent lower than in April 2008.

Turkey produced 2mmt, 13.4 per cent down from April 2008.

Iran, however, produced 0.9mmt, 3.2 per cent more than in April 2008.

World crude steel production for the first four months of 2009 was 354mmt, a 22.7 per cent decrease compared with the same period of 2008.