World Steel Output Down 23.5% in March

China's production increased 1.4%
April 21, 2009

Global steel output in March tumbled 23.5% from a year earlier, the World Steel Association said on April 21, as the global economic slump ravages the sector.

Steel production in the 66 member nations of the association fell 24% in January on a 12-month comparison and by 22% in February.

Economic powerhouse China bucked the trend in the first quarter however, registering a slight increase in steel production of 1.4% in the three month period.

The world's biggest steel producer, ArcelorMittal, has slashed production and cut jobs in response to the crisis in the sector. The group had net losses of $2.6 billion in the last quarter of 2008.

Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2009

About the Author

Agence France-Presse

Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2002-2025. AFP text, photos, graphics and logos shall not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. AFP shall not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions in any AFP content, or for any actions taken in consequence.

Sign up for IndustryWeek Newsletters
Get the latest news and updates.

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of IndustryWeek, create an account today!