World crude steel production continues to make gains

World crude steel production for the 64 countries reporting to the World Steel Association (Worldsteel), Brussels, was 162.7 million metric tons in May 2019, or 5.4 percent more than in May 2018.

China’s crude steel production showed the greatest increase for the month. The country produced 89.1 million metric tons in May, a 10 percent increase compared with May 2018.

South Korea’s production also increased. The country produced 6.4 million metric tons in May, which was 2.2 percent more than it produced in May 2018. Japan, on the other hand, saw its production decline 4.6 percent relative to May 2018, having produced 8.7 million metric tons.

India saw its production increase 5.1 percent in May 2019 to 9.2 million metric tons.

In the European Union, Italy produced 2.2 million metric tons of crude steel in May, or 1.1 percent more than in May 2018. Production in Spain and France declined, however, by 7.1 percent and 7.6 percent respectively. France produced 1.2 million metric tons of crude steel in May, and Spain produced 1.3 million metric tons.

At 7.7million metric tons, the U.S. produced 5.4 percent more crude steel in May compared with May 2018.

Ukraine produced 1.8 million metric tons or crude steel in May, a 7.8 increase compared with May 2018.

Brazil’s crude steel production also increased, growing by 2.9 percent to 2.8 million metric tons in May.

Turkey’s crude steel production saw an 8 percent decrease in May at 3.1 million metric tons.