World crude steel production for the 66 countries reporting to the World Steel Association, Brussels, was 110 million tons (99.8 million metric tons) in June, which is 16 percent lower than June 2008. China’s crude steel production for June 2009 was 54 million tons (49.4 million metric tons), 6 percent higher than June 2008. Japan produced 7.6 million tons (6.9 million metric tons), down by 33.6 percent compared to the same month last year. The U.S. produced 4.9 million tons (4.4 million metric tons) of crude steel, which is a 46.9 percent decrease compared to June 2008. For almost all countries, however, the pace of contraction showed a slowdown in June. For more information, visit
www.worldsteel.org.