July 2009 crude steel production for the 66 countries reporting to worldsteel

Brussels, 20 August 2009 – World crude steel production for the 66 countries reporting to the World Steel Association (worldsteel) was 103.9 million metric tons (mmt) in July. Although this is -11.1% lower than July 2008 production, it is the highest monthly production figure this year.

China’s crude steel production for July 2009 was 50.7 mmt, 12.6% higher than July 2008. It is the first time ever that China has produced over 50 mmt of crude steel in a month accounting for almost 50% of world crude steel production. Since April 2009, world and China’s crude steel production has shown a steady month on month increase.

Elsewhere in Asia, Japan produced 7.7 mmt of crude steel in July 2009, down by -24.9% compared to the same month last year. South Korea showed a decline of -13.3% from July 2008, producing 4.0 mmt of crude steel in July 2009.

In the EU, Germany’s crude steel production was 2.7 mmt in July 2009, a decrease of -28.8% from July 2008. The UK produced 0.8 mmt in July 2009, down by -30.6% from July 2008. 

The US produced 5.0 mmt of crude steel in July 2009, -41.6% lower than July 2008. Brazil produced 2.5 mmt of crude steel in July 2009, a decrease of -22.8% compared to the same month last year.

Russia’s crude steel production for July 2009 was 5.0 mmt, a decrease of -18.4% from July 2008. Ukraine produced 2.7 mmt of crude steel in July 2009, -27.7% lower than July 2008. 

Turkey produced 2.3 mmt of crude steel in July 2009, -8.5% down from July 2008. Iran produced 0.9 mmt of crude steel in July 2009, 15.1% more than in July 2008.

In July, almost all the major steel-producing countries – including China, Japan, Germany, the US, Brazil, Turkey, Russia and Ukraine – have shown their highest monthly figures so far this year.

Total crude steel production in the 66 reporting countries for the first seven months of 2009 was 653 mmt, a -19.9% decrease over the same period of 2008.

• The World Steel Association (worldsteel) is one of the largest and most dynamic industry associations in the world. worldsteel represents approximately 180 steel producers (including 18 of the world's 20 largest steel companies), national and regional steel industry associations, and steel research institutes. worldsteel members produce around 85% of the world's steel.