World crude steel production for the 66 countries reporting to the World Steel Association (worldsteel) was 112 million metric tons (mmt) in October 2009. This is 13.1% higher than October 2008. Following a revision of the September production figures, this is the second month in a row showing a positive growth rate since September 2008.

China's crude steel production for October 2009 was 51.7 mmt, 42.4% higher than October 2008.

Elsewhere in Asia, Japan produced 8.8 mmt of crude steel in October 2009, down by -12.9% compared to the same month last year. South Korea showed a decline of -0.7% from October 2008, producing 4.6 mmt of crude steel in October 2009.

In the EU, Germany's crude steel production was 3.5 mmt in October 2009, a decrease of -11% from October 2008. Italy produced 2.2 mmt in October 2009, down by -15.8% from October 2008.

Russia's crude steel production for October 2009 was 5.6 mmt, an increase of 24.2% compared to October 2008. Ukraine produced 2.7 mmt in October 2009, 42.9% higher than the same month last year.

Turkey produced 2.3 mmt of crude steel in October 2009, a 25.5% increase from October 2008.

The US produced 5.9 mmt of crude steel in October 2009, a decrease of -12.4% compared to the same month last year.

Total crude steel production in the 66 reporting countries for the first ten months of 2009 was 982 mmt, a -13.5% decrease over the same period of 2008.

World crude steel capacity utilisation has been steadily improving since its lowest point in December 2008. In October 2009, the world total capacity utilisation ratio was 76.0%, 17.8 percentage points higher than December 2008.

Notes to Editors:

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.

The monthly crude steel capacity utilisation ratio is calculated based on crude steel production and the capacity information available at worldsteel. The capacity information is based on publicly available data, updated twice a year and verified through worldsteel's membership.

1009 Production figures.pdf