World crude steel production for the 62 countries was 101.4 million metric tons (mmt) in September, the International Iron and Steel Institute reports. This is 8.8% higher than for the same month of 2005. Excluding China, world production rose 4.1% compared to September 2005.
Production in the EU was 15.7 mmt in September, 2.1% higher than for the same month last year. Growth is mainly in the 10 countries that joined the European Union in May 2004. The increase in these countries has been led by increased construction activity and car production, and general growth in the economies of the new member states.
Crude steel production in North America is estimated at 10.7 mmt in September. This is 2.9% higher than in September 2005. Total production in the United States was estimated at 8.0 mmt in September, 3.5% higher than for the same month last year. Production in the United States has slowed due to high inventories brought about by surge in imports this year.
IISI estimates South American crude steel production is 4.0 mmt in September, an increase of 8.9% year-on-year (y-o-y). The growth is driven by buoyant local economic conditions.