World crude steel production for the 66 countries reporting to the International Iron and Steel Institute (IISI) was 113 million metric tons (mmt) in January. This is a 4.9% increase on January 2007. However, the Moving Annual Total (MAT) growth rate slowed from a peak in March 2007 of 10.8% to 6.6% in January 2008.

    This month's figures from China are estimates from the China Iron and Steel Association, as official figures have not yet been released. Total production in China was 40.9 mmt for the month, an increase of 7.3% on January 2007. China's MAT growth rate has slowed from 21.0% in January 2007 to 13.3% in January 2008. Japanese production was 10.3 mmt, an increase of 1.8% and India produced 4.8 mmt, an increase of 8.8% compared to January 2007.

    Total crude steel production in the 27 EU countries was 17.9 mmt, 0.4% lower than for January 2007. Germany produced 4.1 mmt of crude steel, a reduction of 4.9% compared to the same month last year. France produced 1.6 mmt, 7.0% lower and Italy produced 2.8 mmt, an increase of 6.6% on January 2007.

    Production in Turkey was 2.2 mmt, an increase of 8.6% compared to January 2007. Russia produced 6.5 mmt, an increase of 3.4% compared to the same month in 2007. Production in Ukraine was 3.6 mmt, an increase of 0.8%.

    North America increased production to 11.6 mmt, up 10.5% on January 2007. North America MAT growth rate continues to show signs of improvement with four consecutive months of growth. USA produced 8.4 mmt in January 2008 an increase of 11.4% compared to January 2007.

    Brazil produced 3.0 mmt of crude steel, an increase of 13.6% on January 2007.