Global steel output hit its highest level since the start of the year last month but was still 11.1% down from July 2008 due to the economic crisis, the World Steel Association said August 20.
Output from the 66 main producing countries listed by the association reached 103.9 million tons, up from 99.7 million tons in June, the group said.
China's steel production, which has been rising since April, rose to 50.7 million tons in July -- 12.6% higher than in July 2008.
EU steel production, however, was still 35.6% lower than in July 2008 and U.S. output was 41.6% lower, underlining the effects of the crisis.
Steel production has plunged in recent months due to the global economic crisis because of lower demand from the construction and auto industries.
Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2009
